By TRAVIS CLARK
Three teams are scheduled to represent MLS in the second version of the CONCACAF Champions League. For D.C., Columbus, and Houston it's a chance to take on some of the region's best clubs, and prove that MLS can go put its best foot forward in an international competition.
But then there's the other side to it—why many see it more as a burden than an opportunity. The competition's format adds six fixtures, extra travel, and other complications that can end up costing these team's a chance at the MLS Cup. This strain and stress will be felt by every member of the 24 man roster.
Just look at what happened to D.C. during their maiden venture last year in the Champions League. After the jump we'll take a look at the schedule each club faces between now and the end of the season.
Houston Dynamo
Houston already stood the test once last year, navigating their way to an appearance in the Champions League quarterfinals. Of the three teams, Houston has the most favorable schedule, since they've played 22 MLS games already. That leaves them with just eight league games to go, as well as the six CONCACAF games.
Domenic Kinnear has his club right where he would want them, at the top of the West and with the most points in MLS—though it should be noted that Columbus is just two points behind, with a game in hand.
However, their seven point cushion in the West should give Kinnear the edge amongst MLS teams in Champions League play, as he'll have the chance to perhaps give a regular starter a night off prior to a league game.
Columbus Crew
Things are looking rosy for Robert Warzycha and the Crew. After their abysmal start to 2009, they've re-established themselves as legitimate contenders to defend their championship. Going along with that, they haven't lost a game since June 20, with a 5-0-2 record to boot.
Don't forget that they've been without playmaker Guillermo Barros Schelotto for the last four matches as well—yet haven't lost any of those games.
Facing 15 games over the next two and a half months, the Crew should find no trouble in qualifying for the playoffs—though their draw in the Champions League is a bit tougher, going up against Cruz Azul, Saprissa, and Puerto Rico.
D.C. United
The outlook for D.C. isn't as pleasant. Starting Saturday at Toronto, they play 10 games in 31 days, a brutal stretch that will certainly make-or-break their playoff chances. They've already got a chance at a trophy having qualified for the U.S. Open Cup Final, but visions of last year might already be dancing in the heads of United fans.
An exhausting 17 game schedule remains between now and the end of October, including 10 league matches. Their playoff standing is far less secure as well, sitting just a couple of points above the cutoff. The additions of Ely Allen and Danny Szetela are welcome, but the team remains on the look out for another defender.
Tom Soehn will have his hands full and try to find the right players to fill in and keep his players fresh to compete on both fronts.
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Think all three teams can make the playoffs and qualify out of the group stages? Will any MLS team make it to the CONCACAF quarterfinals?
