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The question, though, is whether playing in sub-zero temperatures and spells of snow is better than playing in Central America. Were the Reds fortunate to avoid facing Costa Rica’s Saprissa or Herediano in the opening stage of this tournament?

Was the draw “favourable”?

“Yes and no,” Bradley answered the Sun. “In terms of the Round of 16, you could make the argument that it was favourable in terms of us avoiding the travel and conditions and everything that gets associated with playing in Central America.

“Obviously conditions here aren’t going to be simple. And we’re playing a team that had a terrible year last year and a new coach and a team that has a lot to prove. We understand the challenges that come along with that.”

But Bradley was quick to point out the draw wasn’t so “favourable” if you consider who the Reds or Rapids could meet in the Champions League quarterfinals.

“Whoever wins between us and Colorado is going to have to play (Tigres), the best Mexican team over the last three, four, five years. And it’s not even close.”

The idea of meeting a Mexican giant brought back memories of previous TFC runs through the Champions League — including games against the Galaxy and Cruz Azul and Santos Laguna.

“It’s made for some incredible nights over the last few years,” Bradley said. “It’s hard not to think about what BMO could be like on a Tuesday or Wednesday night in April if we can take this thing down to the wire.”

They’ll have to “earn the right,” as Bradley put it, by knocking off the Rapids in what was mistaken Monday for “Siberia.”