Top 10 CONCACAF clubs of the decade

In another effort to appease the desire of readers for more lists (everyone loves lists!) and as a reflection of the fact that a decade ends in three days, the top 10 CONCACAF club teams of the zeros.

No. 10 – Los Angeles Galaxy

The only MLS team this decade to win a CONCACAF title (albeit on American soil) and a two time MLS Cup champion, the Galaxy do just enough to grab the final spot on the list (just ahead of Olimpia – MLS is typically stronger than Honduras). The late decade disaster seasons were rescued by this past year. Factor in the whole Beckham thing (and it was a coup to get him) and L.A. is a deserving choice.

No. 9 -- Santos Laguna

Although not really a factor internationally (with apologies to Montreal), Santos came into its own this decade in the region’s toughest league. With two titles and regularly in the hunt this is a club that can compete with anyone in North America.

No. 8 – Houston/San Jose

MLS’ best club of the decade (despite playing in two cities), the Dynamo/Earthquakes have also been, by far, the best MLS team in international play (they have come closer than anyone in winning in Mexico, which is the last great frontier to conquer for American based teams). They also deserve a great deal of credit for remaining at the top of MLS all decade (nine of 10 seasons in the playoffs, all in a row). That’s not an easy accomplishment.

No. 7 – Monterrey

Two titles, including the most current one, and twice runners up in Mexico. Again, a lack of success in CONCACAF holds them back a little, but clearly one of Mexico’s best (and therefore one of CONCACAF’s)

No. 6 – Club América

Even when América is having a down decade it’s still pretty good. Like, two Mexican titles and a CONCACAF championship pretty good (and probably CONCACAF’s best showing at the Club World Cup).

No. 5 – Alajuelense

Historically Costa Rica’s most consistently good club, Alajuelense is on a bit of a dry spell. It has not won a championship since 2005. Still, it dominated Costa Rican football at the stat of the decade and captured a regional championship in 2003 (defeating its biggest rival in the final). The Costa Rican league doesn’t get the attention it probably deserves in northern North America, but, a strong argument can be mae that it is the second strongest of the region (or, at least, that it has the second best selection of top teams in the region.


No. 4 – Pumas

It’s been a bit up and down at times, but the ups have been significant. Three Mexican titles and a runner-up position in the Copa Sudamericana (losing on penalties to Boca Juniors after beating Corinthians on the way to the final) are hard to ignore.

No. 3 – Saprissa

The accomplishment of the Columbus Crew getting by this team in the 2009-10 CONCACAF Champions League should not be overlooked. Saprissa has been, by far, the best non-Mexican team in CONCACAF this decade. The honours: Six domestic titles, one CONCACAF championship and two runners up medals at the regional tournament.

No. 2 – Toluca

If this list were only calculated by domestic achievement, Toluca would probably rank first. It has the most Mexican titles and has been the most consistent club in that league throughout the decade. It did grab one regional title, in 2003, but overall it was just a tad behind...

No. 1 – Pachuca

It won three CONCACAF titles in the decade. No one else won more than one. And, Pachuca was OK domestically as well, winning three Mexican titles. Internationally, Pachuca also captured the 2006 Copa Sudamericana and, for what it is worth (not much), the 2007 SuperLiga. Clearly, the CONCACAF club of the decade...