MLS Cup host Atlanta United has been drawn against Costa Rican opposition in the CONCACAF Champions League’s Round of 16, while its opponents in Saturday’s championship decider, Portland Timbers, know that victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will set up a tie against opponents from Dominican Republic.
Regardless of whether it wins or loses vs. Portland, Atlanta will take on CD Herediano. Should the Timbers claim their second MLS Cup in four years, they will meet Club Atletico Pantoja. If they do not, the CCL spot will go to New York Red Bulls.
Among the other ties, Sporting Kansas City vs. Toluca is the only MLS vs. Liga MX match-up, while beaten 2018 finalist Toronto has been drawn with Panama’s Club Atletico Independiente and Tigres, runners-up in 2016 and 2017, faces Honduras’ CD Marathon.
Full draw:
Santos Laguna (MEX) vs. CD Marathon (HON)
Portland Timbers or New York Red Bulls (USA) vs. Club Atletico Pantoja (DOM)
Tigres UANL (MEX) vs. Deportivo Saprissa (CRC)
Houston Dynamo (USA) vs. CD Guastatoya (GUA)
Toluca FC (MEX) vs. Sporting Kansas City (USA)
Toronto FC (CAN) vs. Club Atletico Independiente (PAN)
Atlanta United (USA) vs. CS Herediano (CRC)
CF Monterrey (MEX) vs. Alianza FC (SLV)
The two-legged ties will take place in February, before the 2019 MLS regular season begins. Mexican clubs have won all 10 editions of the CONCACAF Champions League.