What is it?
The CONCACAF Champions' Cup is an annual soccer tournament that pits the top club teams from leagues in North America, Central America and the Caribbean against one another. The region's longest running international club competition, the Champions' Cup allows teams to compete against clubs from other countries that they might otherwise never face. The winner of the CONCACAF Champions' Cup also receives entry into the FIFA Club World Cup, an annual tournament featuring the top club team from each region around the globe.
Who is involved?
CONCACAF region teams that win their respective league championship receive an automatic invitation to participate in the Champions' Cup. It is, however, possible to qualify via other accomplishments. D.C. United, for example, gained entry to the Champions' Cup this season by claiming the MLS Supporters' Shield for putting together the best MLS regular season record last year. After defeating Jamaican champion Harbour View by a 6-1 aggregate score earlier this month, the Black-and-Red will now face Mexican power Pachuca CF in the semifinal round. The Houston Dynamo and Saprissa (Costa Rica) will battle in the other semifinal. Check out the full bracket here.
How is it the event structured?
The tournament is a home-and-home knockout format. A drawing is held to determine the match-ups, and two teams then meet each other twice over a two-week span, with one home game for each team. The team that finishes the two matches with the most total goals advances to the next round.
When does it take place?
For D.C. United, it continues tonight! D.C. United opens play at 10:00 p.m. ET in the semifinal round of the tournament, when they play in Mexico against Pachuca CF. The game will be broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Sports Espanol. The return leg will take place at RFK Stadium on April 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET. To purchase tickets to that match, click here.
Should United advance past Pachuca, the club will move on to the final stage. United would begin the championship series on the road April 22-24, before hosting the deciding match April 29-May 1.
For more information, check out the official CONCACAF Champions' Cup website here >
