After the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16, four of Major League Soccer's five representatives survived and advanced. Next week, the quarterfinals start.
What does the next round hold in store for MLS clubs?
New York Red Bulls vs. Santos Laguna
The New York Red Bulls made their 5-0 aggregate victory over Atletico Pantoja look smooth, but next round they face a more difficult challenge against Santos Laguna, who had the most lopsided aggregate victory of the previous round with an 11-2 triumph over CD Marathon.
RBNY are expected to rest most (if not all) of their starting XI this weekend as they return to MLS play, while Santos currently sit fifth in Liga MX play.
Houston Dynamo vs. Tigres UANL
Liga MX giants Tigres have enjoyed a ton of success in recent years, but aren't unbeatable to MLS opposition. Back in 2012--13 the Seattle Sounders eliminated them from CCL (remember this goal from Djimi Traore?) while last year Toronto FC got the better of them on away goals after a memorable 4-4 aggregate tie.
The Houston Dynamo, behind Mauro Manotas and Alberth Elis, will feel they have a shot against Mexico's league leaders.
Sporting KC vs. CA Independiente
It's hard to envision a scenario in which Sporting Kansas City looked much better than they did against Toluca. While the Liga MX side are fighting through a turbulent time of disappointing results, SKC passed and pressed them off the pitch with a 5-0 aggregate victory.
They turn to Panama's CA Independiente, who dismantled Toronto 5-1 across two legs in the Round of 16.
Atlanta United vs. CF Monterrey
It wasn't without hardships, but, Atlanta United overcame a Leg 1 deficit to breeze past Herediano in the Round of 16. They didn't look great on the road, losing 3-1, but were dominant in a 4-0 win at home.
Now, they face Liga MX side Monterrey who fought hard to eliminate Alianza FC 1-0 on aggregate. Monterrey sit just one point behind Tigres at the top of the league table, a formidable opponent for the Five Stripes.
