Takeaways from Leg 1 of CCC Round of 16

We're officially halfway through the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16, with several MLS clubs on the precipice of a quarterfinal berth, and others entering Leg 2 with their dreams of immortality on the ropes.

Here's a look at where every MLS club stands after Leg 1 as the Round of 16 churns onward this week.

Philadelphia Union 0, Club América 1

Leg 2: March 18 at 6 PT | OneSoccer, FS2, TUDN

Philadelphia are off to the worst start of anyone in league play, but they're still alive in their series against Club América after only conceding one goal in the first leg at Subaru Park. With how things have been going for Philly, though, it feels like more than a one-goal deficit as they head to a notoriously difficult away trip at Estadio Azteca. This series will probably end up telling us more about Club América by the time it's over. They're one of the most historically successful Liga MX clubs in the tournament, so if they struggle to put this reeling Philly side away at home, it could be a sign of vulnerability heading into the quarterfinals.

LAFC 1, Alajuelense 1

Leg 2: March 17 at 6 PT | OneSoccer, FS2, TUDN

LAFC were heavily favored in this matchup with Costa Rican heavyweight Alajuelense, but they got a run for their money at BMO Stadium in Leg 1, conceding a road goal and needing a second-half leveler from Denis Bouanga to avoid a truly disastrous home result. It just goes to show you really can't take anything for granted in this tournament. The Black & Gold now have a pretty difficult task in front of them as they prepare for the road leg against an opponent that now has full belief they can pull off the upset. That said, there's still a massive talent/spending discrepancy between these two sides, and that usually ends up winning out over the course of two legs. I still like LAFC to advance, and probably comfortably.

Nashville SC 0, Inter Miami CF 0

Leg 2: March 18 at 4 PT | OneSoccer, FS2, TUDN

Nashville are admittedly a formidable foe, but it's always a surprise to see Inter Miami get shut out. The Herons have thus far not quite looked like the juggernaut they were projected to be, and they've yet to get prized offseason acquisition German Berterame going at all. The Mexico international striker still hasn't scored to start the season.

I don't expect Inter Miami's slow start to continue much longer, but until they truly break out, it's hard to fully write off Nashville's chance at springing the upset. Their own inability to score at GEODIS Park will probably come back to haunt them in Fort Lauderdale, but the Coyotes have given themselves an actual shot, which is all you can ask for when you're taking on Messi and Co. in tournament play.

LA Galaxy 3, Mt. Pleasant 0

Leg 2: March 19 at 4 PT | OneSoccer, FS2, TUDN

This was the least compelling matchup of the bunch, with the Galaxy taking on an opponent that was overmatched to begin with, then had to play without most of their key players due to reported travel restrictions. Considering those circumstances, it's honestly impressive that Mt. Pleasant actually managed to keep the score to 3-0 in Carson. The Galaxy will advance easily, but it won't tell us much about their chances at making a real run in the tournament.

San Diego FC 3, Toluca 2

Leg 2: March 18 at 8 PT | OneSoccer, FS2, TUDN

This was the most compelling matchup of the bunch, as San Diego played most of the first leg down a man, but still managed to hang three goals on a Toluca side that's considered one of Mexico's top clubs. They very nearly managed to get out of it with a 3-1 aggregate lead before they gave up a penalty kick at the very end that resulted in another DOGSO red. Even so, this was a hell of an effort from Mikey Varas' squad – one of the more impressive performances from an MLS club in CCC you'll ever see, frankly. The quality of the opponent makes it all the more notable. Even if Toluca comes back and wins the series, they didn't look like an unstoppable force destined for a title run. They look beatable.

FC Cincinnati 3, Tigres 0

Leg 2: March 19 at 6 PT | OneSoccer, FS2, TUDN

Cincy also had to take on one of Mexico's storied clubs, and they made light work of them, cruising to a 3-0 aggregate lead at TQL Stadium. They then followed that up by getting molly-whopped 6-1(!) by New England in MLS play, giving another reminder of the degree of difficulty in juggling CCC with your league season. Pat Noonan's team might see their league form suffer, but as long as they have the Evander-Kevin Denkey duo locked and loaded, they're a threat in any given game.

Vancouver Whitecaps 0, Seattle Sounders 3

Leg 2: March 18 at 8 PT | OneSoccer, FS2, TUDN

Things couldn't have gone much better for Seattle in last week's 3-0 stunner at BC Place. It puts the Rave Green in an excellent position to advance as they head to ONE Spokane Stadium to try and close it out. If they needed any reminder to not take the 'Caps lightly, though, they got it in the form of Vancouver's Matchday 4 result: They absolutely obliterated Minnesota United 6-0 on Sunday, seemingly taking out all their frustrations from that Leg 1 result. Seattle are in pole position, but they need to have a professional performance in Leg 2 to make sure nothing crazy happens. This Vancouver team can score goals in bunches with the best of them.