Islanders Begin CONCACAF Journey

The Puerto Rico Islanders return to the CONCACAF Champions League for the fourth consecutive season beginning on Wednesday night in El Salvador against Isidro Metapan. The two-time reigning CFU Caribbean Club Champions have advanced to the group stage in each of the previous three tournaments.

In this, the preliminary stage of the tournament, ties are contested over two legs with the winner being determined by aggregate goals scored. The away goals rule does apply, except in extra time of the second leg. If the ties are level after 210 minutes, penalties will decide a winner.  The winning team advances to the group stage of the event.

Last season, the Islanders shocked the LA Galaxy who was en route to the MLS Supporters Shield by a score line of 4-1 in the away leg, advancing 5-3 on aggregate. The previous season, the Islanders eliminated Toronto FC of MLS at the same stage.

The Islanders advanced to the semifinals of the 2008-2009 competition. During that run, Puerto Rico defeated such established regional powers as Alajuelense (Costa Rica) Santos Laguna (Mexico), Marathon (Honduras) before finally bowing out to Cruz Azul on penalties in the semifinal.  In the semifinal two leg tie, the Islanders won the first game at home, 2-0.

Isidro Metapan is also appearing in its fourth consecutive CONCACAF Champions League. However the club has only won one match in its previous three appearances in the event. Isidro Metapan’s overall CONCACAF Champions League record stands at one win, seven loses and two draws.

The Matchup:
Wednesday July 27^th
Puerto Rico Islanders (NASL/ CFU Winners) at Isidro Metapan (El Salvador)
8 pm EDT
TV: Galavision (USA-live); ESPN Caribbean 11pm EDT (tape delay)
Match Tracker: CONCACAF.com Live Score Center
Return Leg: Wednesday August 3^rd in Puerto Rico