Group C Preview: Queretaro look to keep the magic going in debut run | CCL

This is the Group G preview as the 2015-16 CONCACAF Champions League gets underway on Aug. 4-6. For comprehensive CONCACAF Champions League coverage, bookmark this page.

Queretaro FC (MEX) | HOW QUALIFIED: 2015 Liga MX Clausura runners-up | PREVIOUS BEST: First participation

San Francisco FC (PAN) | HOW QUALIFIED: 2014 Panamanian Apertura champions | PREVIOUS BEST: Group stage (2008-09)

Verdes FC (BLZ) | HOW QUALIFIED: Champions with better aggregate record in 2014 Premier League of Belize | PREVIOUS BEST: Preliminary round (2008-09)

DAVID AND GOLIATH

Queretaro may be embarking on a journey into the unknown as far as the club’s history is concerned, but are still the prohibitive favorites to get out of the group given the talent resources at their disposal. On the opposite end of the spectrum are Verdes, who may be the weakest squad in the tournament but will be keen to throw a wrench into the plans of any team that goes to Belize thinking they already have a win in hand.

SCHEDULE

Emanuel Villa, Queretaro: The man known as ‘Tito’ will be well-known to anyone who follows Liga MX, having played in the country for nearly a decade. The 33-year-old Villa is a realiable goalscorer that brings vital CCL experience to a team that doesn’t have a ton of it. His goal totals in Liga MX have dropped a little bit since his heyday at Cruz Azul, but with two goals in two games to start the 2015 Apertura, the Argentine clearly has something left in the tank.

Eybir Bonaga, San Francisco: Bonaga is a lanky, technically adept attacking midfielder that has played most of his career at home in Panama. Now 29, Bonaga can operate well in tight spaces, pick out a pass and score some impressive goals from distance. He has played over 20 times for Panama and was part of the country's roster in both the 2011 and 2013 Gold Cups.

X FACTOR

All three teams in the group have precious little CCL experience and, in fact, as debutants, Queretaro have the least of the three. Though there's little reason to think Queretaro will falter here, it will be interesting to see how all the teams respond to the pressures and unique challenges of continental competition as the group stage rolls on.

MLS/US CONNECTIONS:

Queretaro forward Camilo Sanvezzo played from 2011-2013 with the Vancouver Whitecaps, tallying 39 goals and 16 assists goals in 92 appearances and winning the 2013 Golden Boot before departing Vancouver for Queretaro in controversial circumstances … US defender Jonathan Bornstein is back with Queretaro after playing an important role in helping them to the 2015 Clausura final … Queretaro defender George Corral made his Mexico debut vs. the United States on April 15, 2015.