Toronto FC would face potentially the toughest challenge in the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16, should they win their Canadian Championship Final against Forge FC, after being pitted against current Liga MX champions Club Leon in Wednesday's draw.
Tricky challenges await Supporters' Shield winners Philadelphia Union and 2019 US Open Cup winners Atlanta United as well after they were drawn against Costa Rican representatives and Concacaf League finalists Deportivo Saprissa and Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, respectively.
MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew SC got a favorable draw on paper, facing off against Nicaragua’s Real Esteli, who qualified for the tournament via the Concacaf League Play-In. In their six previous appearances in the Champions League, Esteli have yet to record a victory. Yet should Columbus make it through that matchup, they could face off against Mexican giants and 2019 Champions League winners Monterrey in the quarterfinals.
Rounding out the MLS representatives, MLS is Back winners the Portland Timbers will face off against Honduras side CD Marathon, who qualified as a Concacaf League Play-In winner and boast long-time Honduras national team striker Carlos Costly.
In order for the full MLS contingent to be confirmed, Toronto will need to beat Forge FC in the reschedule Canadian Championship Final on a date to be announced. Below is the full list of matchups for MLS clubs:
- Toronto FC / Forge FC vs. Club Leon (Mexico)
- Columbus Crew SC vs. Real; Esteli FC (Nicaragua)
- Philadelphia Union vs. Deportivo Saprissa (Costa Rica)
- Atlanta United vs. Liga Deportiva Alajuelense (Costa Rica)
- Portland Timbers vs. CD Marathon (Honduras)
All MLS clubs will play their first leg on the road on April 6-8 with the return legs to be played April 13-15. The full schedule for the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League can be viewed here.
