Historic draw for Cavalry FC as they will face Orlando City in Concacaf Champions Cup
Posted Dec 13, 2023 1:30 pm.
Last Updated Dec 13, 2023 5:52 pm.
In their first-ever appearance in a continental competition, Cavalry FC will be facing Orlando City SC from the MLS, following Wednesday’s 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup draw.
The Canadian Premier League team secured its spot by winning the regular season, finishing first.
Orlando City, meanwhile claimed their spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup by being one of the four best MLS regular season teams.
Last month, the Cavs announced Marco Carducci, Ali Musse, Daan Klomp, Eryk Kobza, Bradley Kamdem, Michael Harms, Jesse Daley, Shamit Shome, William Akio, Myer Bevan, Sergio Camargo, Ethan Beckford, and Maël Henry were all returning in 2024.
“This continuity and chemistry will be important as we enter a new challenge with Concacaf Champions Cup starting earlier in February and then the subsequent defence of the Canadian Premier League Shield,” head coach and general manager Tommy Wheeldon Jr. said.
The tournament recently expanded; this is the first time 27 teams will participate. Five clubs received byes to the second round, including superstar Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF.
CPL rival Forge FC was drawn against C.D. Guadalajara, also known as Chivas, from the Liga MX. The other Canadian team in the draw was the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are also taking on a Liga MX side, Tigres UANL.
The first round kicks off in early February with a two-legged home-and-away tie. Only the final will be a single-leg on June 2.
The winner of Cavalry and Orlando City will take on the winner of Tigres and the Whitecaps in March.
We won’t learn the first round schedule until after the draw, with Concacaf stating, “kickoff times and other important details in the days following the draw.”
–With files from Cole Fortner
