It's a good day when Concacaf beats me to the punch ✅ 12/27 🇲🇽🇨🇦🇺🇸Who's next? #ConcaChampions 🏆Check the full list: https://t.co/Y6JqtqeQyx pic.twitter.com/GAnV4mG8SH— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) September 24, 2023 And it's about time for Cavalry! The continental stage has been waiting for them ever since they won the CPL's first-ever regular season. @Robert Borden
Cincinnati beat Charlotte 3-0 and Columbus drew 1-1 ensuring Cincy will have their maiden CONCACAF campaign in 2024. The fed (or even the team) doesn't seem to have recognized it yet, but it was mentioned in this article in the local paper: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sp...o-acosta-show-fc-cincinnati-fans/70951156007/
If the team hasn't announced it yet, there's probably some obscure mathematical tiebreaker scenario where they could still miss out. I'd be shocked if it's not "official" offical by the weekend...
I think the issue is that nobody in an official capacity is tracking the fact that the worst they could finish is 5th in the SS standings with already qualified PHL ahead of them. The focus from the team that I've seen is about clinching the Eastern Conference (which will happen soon) and the SS race. @ThreeApples lays out why they have qualified in more detail in this thread: https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/2024-concacaf-champions-cup.2126209/page-9
...I'm convinced. 2024 Champions Cup Qualifiers 1. CF Toluca [MEX3] 2. CF Pachuca [MEX1] 3. Club América [MEX6] 4. CF Monterrey [MEX5] 5. Chivas [MEX4] 6. Tigres UANL [MEX2] 7. Vancouver Whitecaps [MLS1 or CAN1] 8. Inter Miami [LC1] 9. Nashville FC [MLS1 or LC2] 10. Philadelphia Union [MLS1 or LC3] 11. Houston Dynamo [MLS1 or USOC] 12. Cavalry [CAN2 or CAN3] 13. FC Cincinnati [MLS1, MLS2, MLS3, MLS4 or MLS5]
Another MLS slot can be filled this weekend by St Louis City, if they clinch 1st place in the Western Conference. To do this, they need to win and have both LAFC and Seattle lose or draw. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/matchday-35-who-can-clinch-playoffs-or-be-eliminated
It's a true milestone for the cradle of the sport here in the US to not only have a team back in its 1st division, but now to have it reach the continental stage! I'd be remiss if I didn't mention: 1) That this next week, we'll have four additional qualifiers out of Central America... 2) ...as well as the end of the Caribbean Cup group stage, with Shield winner Robinhood having an inside track on the semifinals 3) And FC Cincinnati winning the Supporters' Shield, although it's academic for our purposes. 2024 Champions Cup Qualifiers 1. CF Toluca [MEX3] 2. CF Pachuca [MEX1] 3. Club América [MEX6] 4. CF Monterrey [MEX5] 5. Chivas [MEX4] 6. Tigres UANL [MEX2] 7. Vancouver Whitecaps [MLS1 or CAN1] 8. Inter Miami [LC1] 9. Nashville FC [MLS1 or LC2] 10. Philadelphia Union [MLS1 or LC3] 11. Houston Dynamo [MLS1 or USOC] 12. Cavalry [CAN2 or CAN3] 13. FC Cincinnati [MLS1 or MLS2] 14. St. Louis City [MLS1, MLS2, MLS3, MLS4 or MLS5]
While we await 4 guaranteed Central American qualifiers this mid-week, we could see Orlando grab another MLS SS berth on Wednesday. Orlando will be guaranteed to finish in the Top 4 (excluding PHL and NSH) with a win on Wednesday AND a Columbus loss AND an Atlanta draw/loss.
Quite appropriate that the first team in from Central America is one of the most consistent performers there over the last few years: Panama's CAI took down Motagua through a Carlos Small brace to win the series 3-1 and advance! 2024 Champions Cup Qualifiers 1. CF Toluca [MEX3] 2. CF Pachuca [MEX1] 3. Club América [MEX6] 4. CF Monterrey [MEX5] 5. Chivas [MEX4] 6. Tigres UANL [MEX2] 7. Vancouver Whitecaps [MLS1 or CAN1] 8. Inter Miami [LC1] 9. Nashville FC [MLS1 or LC2] 10. Philadelphia Union [MLS1 or LC3] 11. Houston Dynamo [MLS1 or USOC] 12. Cavalry [CAN2 or CAN3] 13. FC Cincinnati [MLS1 or MLS2] 14. St. Louis City [MLS1, MLS2, MLS3, MLS4 or MLS5] 15. CA Independiente [CENTAM1 or PAN1]
As close to a "fire everyone" result as I've ever seen But you can't say Estelí don't deserve it! Especially considering the victims in their path 2024 Champions Cup Qualifiers 1. CF Toluca [MEX3] 2. CF Pachuca [MEX1] 3. Club América [MEX6] 4. CF Monterrey [MEX5] 5. Chivas [MEX4] 6. Tigres UANL [MEX2] 7. Vancouver Whitecaps [MLS1 or CAN1] 8. Inter Miami [LC1] 9. Nashville FC [MLS1 or LC2] 10. Philadelphia Union [MLS1 or LC3] 11. Houston Dynamo [MLS1 or USOC] 12. Cavalry [CAN2 or CAN3] 13. FC Cincinnati [MLS1 or MLS2] 14. St. Louis City [MLS1, MLS2, MLS3, MLS4 or MLS5] 15. CA Independiente [CENTAM1 or PAN1] 16. Real Estelí [CENTAM1 or NCA1]
In the night cap, Herediano left it late (i.e. past my kids' bedtime) to finally grab the winner, but they overcame Comunicaciones to seal their return to the continental stage. Across the Caribbean Sea, Trinibago's years in club football wilderness appear to have taken its toll, as none of their teams in Group A advanced: Moca surprisingly won 2-0 on the road to eliminate Defence Force 2024 Champions Cup Qualifiers 1. CF Toluca [MEX3] 2. CF Pachuca [MEX1] 3. Club América [MEX6] 4. CF Monterrey [MEX5] 5. Chivas [MEX4] 6. Tigres UANL [MEX2] 7. Vancouver Whitecaps [MLS1 or CAN1] 8. Inter Miami [LC1] 9. Nashville FC [MLS1 or LC2] 10. Philadelphia Union [MLS1 or LC3] 11. Houston Dynamo [MLS1 or USOC] 12. Cavalry [CAN2 or CAN3] 13. FC Cincinnati [MLS1 or MLS2] 14. St. Louis City [MLS1, MLS2, MLS3, MLS4 or MLS5] 15. CA Independiente [CENTAM1 or PAN1] 16. Real Estelí [CENTAM1 or NCA1] 17. Herediano [CENTAM1, CRC1 or CRC2]
Orlando won and got an Atlanta loss, but Columbus's win keeps Orlando from qualifying for now. They will try again on Saturday, where any of the following scenarios will clinch their spot: Orlando win OR Orlando draw and Columbus draw OR Columbus loss
Caribbean semis: Harbour View - Cavalier Moca - Robinhood Jamaica have a guaranteed team in Concachampions and there will be at least one team marking its debut in continent's top tier competition (Moca and Cavalier have never played; Robinhood might return after 30 years).
And over in Central America, the matchups toward the regional crown and the last two continental tickets are now set (first team listed hosts second leg): Central American Cup semifinals CA Independiente (PAN) vs. Real Estelí (NCA) LD Alajuelense (CRC) vs. Herediano (CRC) Champions Cup playoffs Deportivo Saprissa (CRC) vs. Motagua (HON) Comunicaciones (GUA) vs. Cartaginés (CRC) 2024 Champions Cup Qualifiers 1. CF Toluca [MEX3] 2. CF Pachuca [MEX1] 3. Club América [MEX6] 4. CF Monterrey [MEX5] 5. Chivas [MEX4] 6. Tigres UANL [MEX2] 7. Vancouver Whitecaps [MLS1 or CAN1] 8. Inter Miami [LC1] 9. Nashville FC [MLS1 or LC2] 10. Philadelphia Union [MLS1 or LC3] 11. Houston Dynamo [MLS1 or USOC] 12. Cavalry [CAN2 or CAN3] 13. FC Cincinnati [MLS1 or MLS2] 14. St. Louis City [MLS1, MLS2, MLS3, MLS4 or MLS5] 15. CA Independiente [CENTAM1 or PAN1] 16. Real Estelí [CENTAM1 or NCA1] 17. Herediano [CENTAM1, CRC1 or CRC2] 18. LD Alajuelense [CENTAM1, CRC1 or CRC2]
A couple more updates, courtesy of Concacaf: 21 clubs in, only 6 to go...⏳ #ConcaChampions pic.twitter.com/GcMfjDNfmx— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) October 23, 2023 Orlando and Columbus claimed MLS's two additional regular season berths (besides the conference winners)... meanwhile, north of the 49th parallel, Cavalry eliminating Pacific to reach the Canadian Premier League championship this Saturday with a CCC berth already in hand means that fellow finalist Forge will return to the continental stage, regardless of how the game finishes. 2024 Champions Cup Qualifiers 1. CF Toluca [MEX3] 2. CF Pachuca [MEX1] 3. Club América [MEX6] 4. CF Monterrey [MEX5] 5. Chivas [MEX4] 6. Tigres UANL [MEX2] 7. Vancouver Whitecaps [MLS1 or CAN1] 8. Inter Miami [LC1] 9. Nashville FC [MLS1 or LC2] 10. Philadelphia Union [MLS1 or LC3] 11. Houston Dynamo [MLS1 or USOC] 12. Cavalry [CAN2 or CAN3] 13. FC Cincinnati [MLS1 or MLS2] 14. St. Louis City [MLS1, MLS2 or MLS3] 15. CA Independiente [CENTAM1 or PAN1] 16. Real Estelí [CENTAM1 or NCA1] 17. Herediano [CENTAM1, CRC1 or CRC2] 18. LD Alajuelense [CENTAM1, CRC1 or CRC2] 19. Orlando City [MLS1 or MLS4] 20. Columbus Crew [MLS1 or MLS5] 21. Forge [CAN2 or CAN3]
Saving here for reference once the field is complete: On December 13 we'll know the full bracket of the 2024 #Concachampions!All the details about the Champions Cup Draw here https://t.co/mJKst7Pv1I 🔗 pic.twitter.com/iUA6tTrpgh— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) October 24, 2023
No surprises with the first qualifier out of the Caribbean: Cavalier had mercy on their fellow Jamaicans and settled for a 0-0 draw tonight to advance to the Caribbean Cup Final. Now we await the first Central American playoff winner out in Guatemala... 2024 Champions Cup Qualifiers 1. CF Toluca [MEX3] 2. CF Pachuca [MEX1] 3. Club América [MEX6] 4. CF Monterrey [MEX5] 5. Chivas [MEX4] 6. Tigres UANL [MEX2] 7. Vancouver Whitecaps [MLS1 or CAN1] 8. Inter Miami [LC1] 9. Nashville FC [MLS1 or LC2] 10. Philadelphia Union [MLS1 or LC3] 11. Houston Dynamo [MLS1 or USOC] 12. Cavalry [CAN3] 13. FC Cincinnati [MLS1 or MLS2] 14. St. Louis City [MLS1, MLS2 or MLS3] 15. CA Independiente [CENTAM1 or PAN1] 16. Real Estelí [CENTAM1 or NCA1] 17. Herediano [CENTAM1, CRC1 or CRC2] 18. LD Alajuelense [CENTAM1, CRC1 or CRC2] 19. Orlando City [MLS1 or MLS4] 20. Columbus Crew [MLS1 or MLS5] 21. Forge [CAN2] 22. Cavalier [CARIB1 or JAM1]
Can't lie, I've been waiting to see this team back on the continental stage ever since their fans took over NYCFC's alternate venue that one time... but Comunicaciones left it extraordinary late, with the penalty shootout going to sudden death, to overcome Cartaginés and punch their ticket. 2024 Champions Cup Qualifiers 1. CF Toluca [MEX3] 2. CF Pachuca [MEX1] 3. Club América [MEX6] 4. CF Monterrey [MEX5] 5. Chivas [MEX4] 6. Tigres UANL [MEX2] 7. Vancouver Whitecaps [MLS1 or CAN1] 8. Inter Miami [LC1] 9. Nashville FC [MLS1 or LC2] 10. Philadelphia Union [MLS1 or LC3] 11. Houston Dynamo [MLS1 or USOC] 12. Cavalry [CAN3] 13. FC Cincinnati [MLS1 or MLS2] 14. St. Louis City [MLS1, MLS2 or MLS3] 15. CA Independiente [CENTAM1 or PAN1] 16. Real Estelí [CENTAM1 or NCA1] 17. Herediano [CENTAM1, CRC1 or CRC2] 18. LD Alajuelense [CENTAM1, CRC1 or CRC2] 19. Orlando City [MLS1 or MLS4] 20. Columbus Crew [MLS1 or MLS5] 21. Forge [CAN2] 22. Cavalier [CARIB1 or JAM1] 23. Comunicaciones [GUA1]
They took the long road, but one of Concacaf's infaltables grabbed the last playoff berth to complete the Central American contingent. 2024 Champions Cup Qualifiers 1. CF Toluca [MEX3] 2. CF Pachuca [MEX1] 3. Club América [MEX6] 4. CF Monterrey [MEX5] 5. Chivas [MEX4] 6. Tigres UANL [MEX2] 7. Vancouver Whitecaps [MLS1 or CAN1] 8. Inter Miami [LC1] 9. Nashville FC [MLS1 or LC2] 10. Philadelphia Union [MLS1 or LC3] 11. Houston Dynamo [MLS1 or USOC] 12. Cavalry [CAN3] 13. FC Cincinnati [MLS1 or MLS2] 14. St. Louis City [MLS1, MLS2 or MLS3] 15. CA Independiente [CENTAM1 or PAN1] 16. Real Estelí [CENTAM1 or NCA1] 17. Herediano [CENTAM1, CRC1 or CRC2] 18. LD Alajuelense [CENTAM1, CRC1 or CRC2] 19. Orlando City [MLS1 or MLS4] 20. Columbus Crew [MLS1 or MLS5] 21. Forge [CAN2] 22. Cavalier [CARIB1 or JAM1] 23. Comunicaciones [GUA1] 24. Deportivo Saprissa [CRC3]
Thanks to some historic results yesterday, the path toward finalizing the field is set: In North America, the only competition left (for this season's Champions Cup - the ongoing Liga MX Apertura will qualify teams to the 2025 edition) is the MLS playoffs. Any US-based team with a continental berth in hand that goes on to win MLS Cup will claim that R16 berth and hand the extra ticket down the regular season table to the New England Revolution; if Vancouver manage to shock the world and win the league title, they'd pass their Canadian Championship berth over to Montreal. In Central America, Alajuelense and Real Estelí will dispute the Central American Cup Final... ¡A tomar nota! 📑 Días y horarios de las finales de la #CopaCentroamericana@ldacr 🦁 🆚 🚂 @realestelifc 🗓 Calendario: https://t.co/rBVBQ8C28F pic.twitter.com/TcIfSrXV47— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) November 3, 2023 While the Caribbean crown will be decided between Cavalier and Robinhood, with Harbour View and Moca contesting the Third Place playoff to round out the field. 2024 Champions Cup Qualifiers 1. CF Toluca [MEX3] 2. CF Pachuca [MEX1] 3. Club América [MEX6] 4. CF Monterrey [MEX5] 5. Chivas [MEX4] 6. Tigres UANL [MEX2] 7. Vancouver Whitecaps [MLS1 or CAN1] 8. Inter Miami [LC1] 9. Nashville FC [MLS1 or LC2] 10. Philadelphia Union [MLS1 or LC3] 11. Houston Dynamo [MLS1 or USOC] 12. Cavalry [CAN3] 13. FC Cincinnati [MLS1 or MLS2] 14. St. Louis City [MLS1, MLS2 or MLS3] 15. CA Independiente [PAN1] 16. Real Estelí [CENTAM1 or NCA1] 17. Herediano [CRC2] 18. LD Alajuelense [CENTAM1 or CRC1] 19. Orlando City [MLS1 or MLS4] 20. Columbus Crew [MLS1 or MLS5] 21. Forge [CAN2] 22. Cavalier [CARIB1 or JAM1] 23. Comunicaciones [GUA1] 24. Deportivo Saprissa [CRC3] 25. Robinhood [CARIB1 or SUR1]
With the international break, and the lion's share of the MLS Cup Playoffs, now behind us, the next two weeks will see our Champions Cup field wrapped up! The following list has been clarified, as well as the hand-me-down scenarios here: LAFC are the last team involved without a Champions Cup berth in their back pocket, so they're playing for themselves. If anyone else wins MLS Cup, they'll hand the 1st-rd berth over to the Revs. 2024 Champions Cup Qualifiers 1. CF Toluca [MEX3] 2. CF Pachuca [MEX1] 3. Club América [MEX6] 4. CF Monterrey [MEX5] 5. Chivas [MEX4] 6. Tigres UANL [MEX2] 7. Vancouver Whitecaps [CAN1] 8. Inter Miami [LC1] 9. Nashville FC [LC2] 10. Philadelphia Union [LC3] 11. Houston Dynamo [MLS1 or USOC] 12. Cavalry [CAN3] 13. FC Cincinnati [MLS1 or MLS2] 14. St. Louis City [MLS2 or MLS3] 15. CA Independiente [PAN1] 16. Real Estelí [CENTAM1 or NCA1] 17. Herediano [CRC2] 18. LD Alajuelense [CENTAM1 or CRC1] 19. Orlando City [MLS4] 20. Columbus Crew [MLS1 or MLS5] 21. Forge [CAN2] 22. Cavalier [CARIB1 or JAM1] 23. Comunicaciones [GUA1] 24. Deportivo Saprissa [CRC3] 25. Robinhood [CARIB1 or SUR1]
One down, one to go! After a 1-1 draw in the second leg this evening... 2024 Champions Cup Qualifiers 1. CF Toluca [MEX3] 2. CF Pachuca [MEX1] 3. Club América [MEX6] 4. CF Monterrey [MEX5] 5. Chivas [MEX4] 6. Tigres UANL [MEX2] 7. Vancouver Whitecaps [CAN1] 8. Inter Miami [LC1] 9. Nashville FC [LC2] 10. Philadelphia Union [LC3] 11. Houston Dynamo [MLS1 or USOC] 12. Cavalry [CAN3] 13. FC Cincinnati [MLS1 or MLS2] 14. St. Louis City [MLS2 or MLS3] 15. CA Independiente [PAN1] 16. Real Estelí [CENTAM1 or NCA1] 17. Herediano [CRC2] 18. LD Alajuelense [CENTAM1 or CRC1] 19. Orlando City [MLS4] 20. Columbus Crew [MLS1 or MLS5] 21. Forge [CAN2] 22. Cavalier [CARIB1 or JAM1] 23. Comunicaciones [GUA1] 24. Deportivo Saprissa [CRC3] 25. Robinhood [CARIB1 or SUR1] 26. Moca FC [DOM1]