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Landon Donovan and the Los Angeles Galaxy were provided with the biggest upset of the Preliminary Round of the CONCACAF Champions’ League, as they exit following a 5-3 aggregate defeat to the Puerto Rico Islanders of USSF Division 2.
The Galaxy, one of four American clubs who reached the Champions’ League (as the runner-up of Major League Soccer), were completely embarrassed and outplayed at the Home Depot Center last week, as the Islanders earned a 4-1 victory. They defeated Puerto Rico today 2-1 down on the island thanks to an own goal by Marco Velez and a strike from Sean Franklin.
Fellow MLS sides Toronto FC (representing Canada) and reigning US Open Cup winners Seattle Sounders FC both won their fixtures. Toronto eliminated Honduran side Motagua today while the Sounders knocked out Salvadorian club Metapan yesterday.
MLS champions Real Salt Lake and MLS Supporter’s Shield winners Columbus Crew both qualified automatically for the Group Stage of the competition, by virtue of the aforementioned accomplishments last season.
Salt Lake and Toronto will be matched in Group A along with Arabe Unido (Panama) and last year’s runner-up Cruz Azul (Mexico).
Columbus meet up with Santos Laguna (Mexico), Municipal (Guatemala), and the winner of Brujas (Costa Rica) and Joe Public (Trinidad & Tobago).
The Sounders will square off in what could possibly be considered the Group of Death, as they take on Marathon (Honduras), Saprissa (Costa Rica), and Monterrey (Mexico).
The Group Stage of the competition will take place from August 17th to October 21st, with each team facing its fellow group members once at home and once away. The two teams with the most points from each group reach the quarterfinals.
FOX Soccer Channel will be airing the Champions’ League in the United States.
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