Chivas USA learned Wednesday that it will face Panamanian Apertura 2008 runners-up Tauro F.C. in the preliminary round of the inaugural CONCACAF Champions League. The Red-and-White will travel to Panama between Aug. 26-28 for the first leg of the two-match qualifying series, with the return leg being played Sept. 2-4. The winner earns a place in the tournament's 16-team Group Stage.
Matchups for the CONCACAF Champions League, which gives the region's clubs a berth in the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, were announced today following the draw today New York City. A full calendar of match dates, including eventual group placements, will be announced by CONCACAF this Monday, June 16.
Ticket information for Chivas USA's historic debut in CONCACAF competition will be announced at a later date.
"We look forward to participating in the preliminary round of our region's inaugural Champions League against a storied club such as Tauro F.C.," said Chivas USA Head Coach Preki Radosavljevic. "This is one of four tournaments in which our club will be participating this season and we look forward to the challenge of advancing to the group stage in our first overseas international tournament."
Tauro F.C. is perennially one of the top teams in ANAPROF, Panama's top division, and recently finished with the best record in the regular season of the Apertura 2008. Tauro plays its home games in the Estadio Giancarlo Gronchi, located in Panama City, the capital and largest city of the country. Since joining the league as a founding member in 1988, Tauro has captured nine league championships, more than any other club, according to the team's official website.
Chivas USA squares off against Real Salt Lake in MLS action this Saturday night, June 14, at 7:30 p.m. at The Home Depot Center. The Red-and-White have won four straight matches against the fellow 2005 expansion side, including a 3-1 win in the Home Opener of the 2008 season, on April 5. For more information on the match, or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit CDChivasUSA.com
