The odds of making it beyond the group stage are incredibly slim for both organizations, despite their impressive performances in their respective domestic leagues this season. Former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has pulled Charlotte up to seventh in MLS ' Eastern Conference, while Monterrey is just three points off the summit in Liga MX's Apertura.

Forward Son Heung-min is introduced to the media as a Los Angeles FC player but admits that they were not his first choice after leaving Tottenham.