Dates set for Galaxy’s initial CONCACAF Champions League play

The Galaxy will open play in the group stage of the 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League with a home game Aug. 20 against Cartagines of Costa Rica.

The Galaxy’s other opponent in the group stage, Isidro Metapan of El Salvador, also will open its two-game series against the Galaxy at StubHub Center in Carson on Sept. 18.

The Galaxy then will travel to Costa Rica for the second game with Cartagines, on Sept. 25, and to El Salvador to face Isidro Metapan on Oct. 24.

The Galaxy earned a berth for the tournament by winning the Major League Soccer championship last year.

In the previous CONCACAF Champions League tournament, the Galaxy prevailed in its three-team group and the club defeated Isidro Metapan at home and on the road.

The Galaxy then advanced to the semifinals before being eliminated in April by eventual tournament champion Monterrey of Mexico.

This is the first time that Cartagines is playing in the Champions League event.

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