On Wednesday, we learned of Portland’s path in the gauntlet that is the 2021 Concacaf Champions League. With the team’s stated intent of doing well in the competition (Merritt Paulson really wants to be the first MLS team to win the current version of the CCL, y’all), these will be games the coaching staff and players will be up for. Plus, they’ll be the first time we get to see our boys in green play soccer in 2021, so we should probably get excited about them too.
So let’s take a look at how Portland’s first round matchup, their potential path to the final, and the schedule of the tournament all play into the Timbers’ chance of success in the continent:
The CD Marathon Matchup: Stay wary
Now, on paper, the Timbers should be able to get past CD Marathon in their round of 16 matchup.