MEXICO CITY -- MLS record-breakers LAFC and Mexican striker Carlos Vela will face a stern CONCACAF Champions League debut, after being drawn against Liga MX's Club Leon in the round of 16.
Leon was the only Mexican side in pot two of the draw, guaranteeing that La Fiera would be facing a team from MLS, with LAFC potentially facing Cruz Azul in the semifinal.
The full draw is Atlanta United against Motagua (Honduras), Club America versus Comunicaciones (Guatemala), Cruz Azul and Portmore United (Jamaica), with LAFC against Leon completing the first half. In the second part of the draw, Tigres play Alianza FC (El Salvador), NYCFC faces San Carlos (Costa Rica), Seattle Sounders were drawn against Olimpia (Honduras) and Montreal will go up against Saprissa (Costa Rica).\
¡Definidos los cruces de #SCCL2020! #SorteoChampions pic.twitter.com/PsHTtGtCgD
— Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League (@TheChampions) December 10, 2019
Atlanta United also has a difficult draw, with a trip to Honduras followed by a game against Club America, should Las Aguilas defeat Comunicaciones and Atlanta also advance against Motagua.
Seattle Sounders and Canada's representative Montreal could both potentially avoid Mexican clubs until the semifinal stage.
Mexican clubs have won the last 14 editions for CONCACAF's regional club championship, with the 2020 edition of the tournament beginning on Feb. 18.
Monterrey is the reigning CONCACAF Champions League holder, having defeated local rival Tigres in the final and will kick off its Club World Cup campaign in Qatar on Saturday.