After a delay so long it was almost laughable – I’m finding out about the draw at 2 PM Mountain Time while the draw was supposed to take place at 9 AM – the Rapids have finally found out the teams that they will be facing in the CONCACAF Champions League, as they were drawn into group B of the tournament.
The group contains the following teams and sets of teams:
Colorado Rapids (USA)
Real España (HON)
Santos Laguna (MEX) / Olimpia (HON)
Isidro Metapan (SLV) / CFU 1
A surprisingly favorable draw for the Rapids, providing an incredibly good chance to make it to the knockout portions of the tournament. No Monterrey types in our side of the tourney and the Mexican side that has the chance to make it into the group are Santos Laguna, a team that has struggled mightily this season despite lofty expectations in the FMF leagues. Real España won the Honduran Apertura last season, but are probably a beatable team for the Rapids.
Alpha United, Defence Force, Puerto Rico Islanders, and Tempete are the four possible teams that could make the CFU 1 slot to take on El Salvadorian champions Isidro Metapan. I honestly couldn’t be happier with this draw. More analysis will be available soon on Burgundy Wave.