SECAUCUS, NJ- The New York Red Bulls in conjunction with CONCACAF announced today the dates, times and locations for their two-leg series against Trinidad and Tobago club, W Connection, in the Preliminary Round of the 2009-2010 CONCACAF Champions League. New York will travel will travel to Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, Trinidad and Tobago for the first leg on Thursday, July 30 at 8:00 PM ET. The teams will then play the second leg at Giants Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 8:00 PM ET. Ticket information for the home leg will be announced in the near future.
The Red Bulls, who are playing in their first Champions League, were one of 16 teams that were entered into the Preliminary Round in an official draw held in New York City on June 11. The winner of the aggregate goals series will qualify for the Group D in the Group Stage, where they face Pumas UNAM (Mexico), Comunicaciones of Guatemala and the winner of the Liberia (Costa Rica) and Real Espana (Honduras) series. New York earned the right to compete in the tournament after making the 2008 MLS Cup Final last year.
The Group Stage will begin the week of Aug. 18 and continue for six rounds, finishing on Oct. 22. Two teams from each group will qualify for the Championship Round, and will learn their path through the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals in a subsequent draw to be held later this year.
The Red Bulls' next match is on June 20, when they faces Seattle Sounders FC at 7:30 PM ET at Giants Stadium (TV: MSG; Radio: WADO 1280 AM). For tickets, call the Red Bulls at 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com .
