The draw for the preliminary round of the 2010-2011 CONCACAF Champions League has just taken place and it sees the Puerto Rico Islanders drawn against the mighty LA Galaxy of the MLS. This is the third time that the Puerto Rico Islanders have reached the new format of the CONCACAF Champions League and with the La Galaxy currently top the MLS Western Conference having played 10 games with 8 wins and 2 draws (ties), it will not be easy for the Islanders to progress to the group stages.
The first game will be played at LA Galaxy between July 27-29 with the return leg here in Puerto Rico at the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium, Bayamon, the following week. The winners of the tie will advance into Group D along with Olimpia (Honduras), either Santos or Toluca (Mexican Clausura champion) and the winner of Central America 11 versus Xelaju.
The Puerto Rico Islanders have not made the best of starts to their 2010-2011 NASL Conference campaign having won 2 and lost 3. Manager Colin Clarke has brought in a few new players this season, but will be counting on the fans favorite Bill Gaudette in goal to be on top form to try to keep a clean sheet in both games.
This will be the second time that the LA Galaxy has visited Puerto Rico, they were here two seasons ago for a pre-season friendly and even though they will be without David Beckham the team should feature USA World Cup team members Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle. Having struggled with form last season, LA Galaxy have started the 2010 -2011 MLS season on a mission having played 10 games, winning 8 and drawing 2. If they keep that form up, the Puerto Rico Islanders will find it tough to progress to the group stages of the CONCACAF Champions League. Having said that, in cup games anything can happen and hopefully the Islanders can bring about a cup upset.
What: Puerto Rico Islanders v LA Galaxy in the CONCACAF Champions League (prelim round)
Where: Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium, Bayamon
When: First week in August (date to be announced)
More info here (and schedule for regular Puerto Rico Islander’s games)
You can find the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium on our interactive map here
Photo resources: oquendo and wjarrettc both using the Creative Commons license 2.0
