CONCACAF Champions League wrap: Santos, Galaxy progress

14 March 2013 05:42

Santos Laguna and Los Angeles Galaxy advanced to the last four of the CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday.

Santos will face Seattle Sounders for a berth in the final after beating Houston Dynamo 3-1 on aggregate.

Trailing 1-0 after the first leg in Houston, Santos proved too strong for the American side with a clinical display at home.

Juan Pablo Rodriguez opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, pouncing on a rebound from Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall before finding the net.

Herculez Gomez doubled the advantage five minutes later, capitalising on a defensive error to give the Mexican club the aggregate lead.

Houston fought gallantly in search of a crucial away goal but came undone on 77 minutes when Marc Crosas, unmarked at the far post, struck a fierce volley into the net.

Meanwhile, Galaxy will take on defending champions Monterrey for a spot in the decider after accounting for Herediano 4-1 on aggregate.

Following a scoreless draw in the opening leg, Los Angeles broke the deadlock through Omar Gonzalez in the 18th minute.

Jose Villareal, Robbie Keane and John McBean put the result beyond doubt in the second half, sending Galaxy, still without resting forward Landon Donovan, through to the semi-finals.

Elias Aguilar netted a late consolation goal for Herediano, though his efforts were in vain as the Costa Rican outfit bowed out of the tournament following an impressive run.