FC Dallas vs Real Esteli FC: Champions League Preview, TV schedule and how to watch online

The first match in the 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League kicks off tomorrow night for FC Dallas as they host Nicaragua's Real Esteli.

FCD has to take care of business at home in this competition as they look to get a good seed out of the group phase for next spring’s knockout stage.

Real Esteli is making their fourth straight appearance in this tournament, their sixth overall. Despite the national success in Nicaragua, they have yet to win a game in the CCL.

FC Dallas notes:

Injury update. The only injury is still with Zach Loyd.

Key player for FCD: Carlos Gruezo. The young Ecuadorian will have to be a force in the midfield to keep the defense free of pesky attackers and to help push the ball forward in the attack. If he has his usual quiet game, that will mean good things for Dallas.

Biggest question: Can FCD not overlook this game for next week’s USOC game in LA?

We know the schedule is crazy at this point in the year with the CCL, USOC and the regular season. How the team comes out in this one will determine a lot in my book for next week. I think not having a weekend game certainly helps put more importance in this one and will give FCD plenty of recovery time for next Wednesday.

How to watch

Match date/time: Thursday, 8/4, 7:00PM

Venue: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX

TV: Univision Deportes

Online: Facebook Live

Weather Forecast: Sunny, 95 degrees

Look out for our game thread, which will go up an hour before kick off.