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2018 CONCACAF Champions League: How MLS teams fared in the Round of 16 draw

By Roy Emanuel

CHESTER, PA - JULY 25: A fan helps wave a U.S. flag as United States plays Panama during the CONCACAF Gold Cup Third Place Match at PPL Park on July 25, 2015 in Chester, Pennsylvania. Panama won in a penalty shootout. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
CHESTER, PA - JULY 25: A fan helps wave a U.S. flag as United States plays Panama during the CONCACAF Gold Cup Third Place Match at PPL Park on July 25, 2015 in Chester, Pennsylvania. Panama won in a penalty shootout. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Can it be won? We find out in the coming months.

The CONCACAF regional title has taken many forms over the years, and now is set for yet another change in 2018. Once only knockout rounds (Champions Cup) and then a competition mirroring its UEFA counterpart (complete with a group stage), a new format has taken shape.

With a qualifying round set to begin for next season’s edition, the tournament proper for the confederation begins at the Round of 16. Liga MX sides have dominated throughout recent years, and it will be interesting to see if an MLS team is finally ready to book their trip to a FIFA Club World Cup.

The first club to earn a domestic treble, Toronto FC are certainly a strong contender. 2017 MLS Cup runners-up Seattle Sounders boast a talented line-up, while New York Red Bulls enjoyed a decent showing in the postseason as well.

Due to the format change and the 2016 season being accounted for, FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids will take part despite missing the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2017.

Santa Tecla FC (SLV) vs. Seattle Sounders (USA)

Seattle made their second consecutive trip to the MLS Cup final earlier this month, but did not lift the trophy on this particular occasion. However, the club should feel confident about advancing to the quarter-final stage of the CONCACAF Champions League.

With Clint Dempsey, Nicolas Lodeiro and a passionate home crowd for the second leg, manager Brian Schmetzer will have his squad ready.

CD Olimpia (HON) vs. New York Red Bulls (USA)

Twice champions of CONCACAF (1972, 1988), CD Olimpia will provide a stern test for New York and head coach Jesse Marsch. The Red Bulls have never advanced past the quarter-finals in club history.

The key to this series will be found in the coming weeks, as there could be drastic changes to New York’s line-up by the time they visit Honduras for the first leg.

Toronto FC (CAN) vs. Colorado Rapids (USA)

Don Garber’s dream of getting all five MLS teams to the last eight were dashed with this pairing, as Colorado will battle Toronto.

The Reds enjoyed a historic run in 2017, and should brush aside a rebuilding Rapids team with relative ease.

Unless serious reinforcements arrive before February, Toronto will be looking to continue their impressive run at more silverware.

FC Dallas (USA) vs. Tauro FC (PAN)

Perhaps the most intriguing of the draws involving MLS participants, FC Dallas look to rebound from a disappointing 2017.

Missing out on the postseason after a Supporters’ Shield and US Open Cup double in 2016, a downslide of poor form and injuries took their toll on the Texas team.

Dallas and Tauro met once before in the 2011-12 group stage, but this time there will be much more at stake.

Next: Clint Dempsey's limited postseason production for Seattle

Below is the full draw:

Cibao FC (DOM) vs. Chivas Guadalajara (MEX)
Santa Tecla FC (SLV) vs. Seattle Sounders (USA)
CD Olimpia (HON) vs. New York Red Bulls (USA)
FC Motagua (HON) vs. Club Tijuana (MEX)
CS Herediano (CRC) vs. Tigres UANL (MEX)
Toronto FC (CAN) vs. Colorado Rapids (USA)
FC Dallas (USA) vs. Tauro FC (PAN)
Deportivo Saprissa (CRC) vs. Club America (MEX)

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