North and Central America’s top continental competition soccer is right around the corner, so there’s no better time to dissect the fortunes of MLS teams in the CONCACAF Champions League predictions 2022.
CONCACAF Champions League predictions 2022
Firstly, let’s go over the CONCACAF CL format, as it differs slightly from the UEFA edition. In the current format, there are 16 teams and no group stage. As the bracket advances, teams with the best result from the prior round will have the advantage of hosting the second leg in the next round. Every tie is a two-legged affair, even the final.
Seattle vs Motagua
The CONCACAF CL draw has thrown a mixed bag at Seattle. While on paper Motagua is a favorable tie, the Sounders have struggled in Honduras before. New Brazilian signing Leo Chu may be able to help navigate this tie – having played in the Copa Sudamericana with Gremio.
Their Honduran experience might not be as ominous as first expected. One of Motagua’s top goal threats, Rubilio Castillo, has left the club since his loan deal expired at the end of last season.
Colorado vs Comunicaciones
Colorado is the only American team in the competition not to be based directly on either coast. This makes their games subject to extensive travel for themselves and visiting teams.
Colorado starts its first continental campaign in 2018 in Guatemala, trying to pass the first round for the first time.
Comunicaciones are not to be taken lightly, given the team won the CONCACAF League last season, the confederation’s equivalent to the Europa League.
New England vs Cavaly
The CONCACAF CL draw might have been the kindest to New England as it plays the unfancied Cavaly from the Haitian league. Cavaly qualified by winning the Caribbean Club championship last season.
The Revolution might have a new badge for the season but have stuck with the veteran head coach, Bruce Arena. The storied American won the 1998 tournament with DC, yet hasn’t visited the final since. He has however won had success on the continent winning three Gold Cups with the national side.
The setup with Adam Buksa and Carles Gil in the engine room possesses the relevant ambition and skill to go places. A dominant 2021 in the Eastern Conference spearheaded the club to a 19-point lead over the second-placed Philadelphia Union. Can the Supporters Shield winners take the same superiority to the continent?
Read more: Best MLS players to watch in 2022
New York City vs Santos de Guapiles
How about the 2021 Major League Soccer champions then? Ronny Deila guided the team to win the MLS Cup on penalties and a subsequent prize is… a trip to Costa Rica. The away tie will certainly be an experience for the Pigeons as Estadio Ebal Rodríguez’s 3,000 capacity will be quite different to the Yankee Stadium they’re accustomed to.
However, they’ll be pretty out-of-sorts for the home leg as well. Due to several restrictions and the confederation not approving their regular venue for use, New York will play that game at Banc of California Stadium. MLS top scorer last season Valentin Castellanos will relish the new challenges having already proved his adaptability with 19 goals.
Montreal vs Santos Laguna
It wouldn’t be a complete CONCACAF CL preview without checking on the Canadian contingent. Montreal faces quite the long-haul to Torreon for their tie. Should the team have anything left after the 10-hour flight, they only have to face the six-time Liga MX champions, Santos Laguna.
Montreal will be looking to replicate the form of its 2015 campaign as it reached the final that year. Teams from Mexico typically enjoy this competition and will make it hard work for Montreal. Seven different Mexican clubs make up 13 CONCACAF Champions League wins for the nation.
