The other preliminary-round series of interest to MLS and USL fans will pit the Canadian representative -- Toronto FC or the Vancouver Whitecaps -- against the Puerto Rico Islanders. In 2008-09, the Islanders reached the semifinals, while the Canadian representative -- the Montreal Impact -- advanced to the quarterfinals.
The winners of the eight preliminary-round series join eight teams automatically qualified for the group stage.
The MLS Cup 2009 champion Columbus Crew and Houston Dynamo will begin play in the group stage.
PRELIMINARY ROUND
Arabe Unido/San Francisco (PAN) vs. San Juan Jabloteh (TRI)
Pachuca (MEX) vs. Comunicaciones/Jalapa (GUA)
New York Red Bulls (USA) vs. W Connection (TRI)
Olimpia (HON) vs. Arabe Unido/Chorrillo (PAN)
Cruz Azul (MEX) vs. Herediano (CRC)
D.C. United (USA) vs. Chalatenango (SLV)
Liberia (CRC) vs. Real Espana (HON)
Vancouver Whitecaps/Toronto FC (CAN) vs. Puerto Rico Islanders (PUR)
GROUP STAGE
Group A
Houston Dynamo (USA)
Metapan (SLV)
Pachuca (MEX)-Guatemala No. 2 (Comunicaciones or Jalapa)
Olimpia-Panama No. 2 (Arabe Unido or Chorrillo)
Group B
Toluca (MEX)
Marathon (HON)
D.C. United (USA)-Chalatenango (SLV)
San Juan Jabloteh (TRI)-Panama No. 1 (Arabe Unido or San Francisco FC)
Group C
Columbus Crew (USA)
Saprissa (CRC)
Cruz Azul (MEX)-Herediano (CRC)
Canada No. 1 (Toronto FC or Vancouver Whitecaps)-Puerto Rico Islanders (PUR)
Group D
Pumas UNAM (MEX)
Comunicaciones or Municipal (GUA)
New York Red Bulls (USA)-W Connection (TRI)
Liberia (CRC)-Real Espana (HON)
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