All You Need to Know About the Crew in the Concacaf Champions Cup

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 The Columbus Crew is back in action after securing their third MLS Cup. This time, they're vying for continental glory in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

As the 2023 league champs, the Crew gets a bye in Round One and will face the winner of Houston Dynamo FC and St. Louis CITY SC in the Round of 16. The first match is away on March 6, and the second is at home in Lower.com Field on March 12. Tickets for the home leg are already on sale.

So, what's the deal with the Concacaf Champions Cup? It's the competition that crowns the best club in North America, bringing together teams from all over the region. The tournament runs from February to June, overlapping with league campaigns.

Unlike the previous format, this Cup has a new qualifying system. It consists of five rounds: Round One, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Final. The first four stages involve home and away legs, ensuring the Crew will play at home in every round until the Final.

Twenty-seven teams are in the running, with Columbus already securing a spot in the Round of 16 as the MLS Cup champion. They'll face the winner of Houston Dynamo FC and St. Louis CITY SC. The Crew is ranked No. 8, the second-highest MLS team, with the Philadelphia Union at fifth. Club América, whom the Crew defeated in Leagues Cup last summer, holds the top ranking.

Teams qualify through various routes – Leagues Cup, MLS, Liga MX, Canadian Premier League, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and the Concacaf Central American and Caribbean Cups.

Winning the Concacaf Champions Cup isn't just about bragging rights; it also secures a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The 2024 winner, alongside previous Champions League winners, will represent the continent.

The Crew has a history in the Concacaf Champions Cup, reaching the quarterfinals four times. This March will be the fifth appearance, and the first at Lower.com Field.

For fans eager to catch the action, the Crew will host a Round of 16 match on March 12 at 6 p.m. Get your tickets to witness the Crew compete on the continental stage.