The New York Red Bulls Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League journey begins on Thursday, February 22 versus Honduran side Club Deportivo Olimpia in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Here are five things you need to know about the matchup, with Leg 1 ready to go at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday:
1. No Fans
Club Deportivo Olimpia will play their home matches in front of an empty stadium. The game has also been moved to a neutral site in Costa Rica.
CONCACAF approved the site change request due to ongoing social unrest in Honduras, according to the official announcement. The match in Costa Rica will also be played behind closed doors, due to an on-going sanction against Olimpia that originated in the 2017 CONCACAF League.
2. Away Goals Matter
Teams play a two-legged, total goals series in each round to advance.
In the second leg, away goals are the first tie breaking procedure. If still tied on away goals, the game will move to penalty kicks to determine who advances.
3. First Match at RBA of 2018
Before the MLS season begins, CD Olimpia will visit Red Bull Arena on March 1 for Leg 2 of the matchup.
Select tickets are still available.
4. New Additions Ready To Go?
Time will tell if the team's offseason additions will be ready to integrate into the lineup for Leg 1.
With the recent announcements of Alejandro "Kaku" Romero Gamarra and Marc Rzatkowski during preseason, it's still to be determined if they'll be ready to start or sub in to the match.
5. TV, Radio & Online
The game will be broadcast on Univision Deportes and will also be available on New York Red Bulls Radio with Matt Harmon calling live from Costa Rica.
You'll also be able to follow along on the New York Red Bulls Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
