MLS Seattle Sounders FC

SOUNDERS FC TO FACE SANTA TECLA FC IN 2018 SCOTIABANK CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Published on December 21, 2017 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


SEATTLE, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC today learned its 2018 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCCL) opponent following Monday night's draw held in Miami, with the club set to face Santa Tecla FC in the Round of 16. This marks the Rave Green's fifth appearance in the regional tournament that consists of the top club teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Specific dates, times and broadcast information for all Group Stage matches are being determined at a later date. The first leg in the Round of 16 is slated to take place in El Salvador between February 20 and February 22, with the return leg at CenturyLink Field scheduled between February 27 and March 1, prior to the 2018 MLS campaign.

Sounders FC qualified for the 2018 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League after winning the 2016 MLS Cup. Seattle previously advanced out of the SCCL Group Stage in the 2011-2012, 2012-2013 and 2015-2016 tournaments. In 2012-2013, Sounders FC became the first MLS team to oust a Mexican side from the tournament when it advanced past Tigres UANL in the Quarterfinal Round.

The 2018 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League features a new format that consists of 16 teams (down from 24) in a single-elimination tournament, with each round featuring a two-legged home-and-home aggregate series. The away-goals tiebreaker is in effect if the score is level after 180 minutes, but if still tied, two 15-minute extra time periods would follow the second leg, as well as penalties, if necessary.

Santa Tecla FC qualified for the 2018 SCCL after winning the Salvadoran Primera DivisiÃ"n 2016 Apertura and 2017 Clausura championships. This marks the second SCCL appearance for Santa Tecla FC after failing to advance out of the Group Stage of the 2015-2016 tournament. Should Sounders FC advance to the Quarterfinals, Seattle would face the winner of Mexican giant Chivas de Guadalajara and Dominican side Cibao.

The Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League is the region's premier club competition. It was introduced for the 2008-2009 season, replacing the Champions Cup, which had decided the Confederation's best team since 1962.

Featuring 16 squads from each of CONCACAF's three sub-regions - North America, Central America and the Caribbean - the new SCCL features only a knockout stage, getting rid of the group stage that been featured in years past. Berths are allocated by country or, in the case of the Caribbean, through a separate qualifying competition.

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