While the preliminary-round series are still under way, the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League is already taking shape, as CONCACAF has annouced the dates of the first round of group-stage matches.
Two MLS clubs are already through to the group stage: last year's Supporters' Shield winners the LA Galaxy and the reigning MLS Cup winners the Colorado Rapids. The Seattle Sounders, FC Dallas and Toronto FC have all reached the group stage, but are awaiting their schedule.
The Galaxy, who have never participated in the CCL group stage, will open their campaign on August 16 at home against the winner of the series between Honduran club Motagua and Guatemalan club Municipal. The pair will play the first leg of their home-and-home series on Thursday night.
Colorado, also making their debut in the CCL, will begin at home against the winner of the series between Salvadoran club Isidro Metapán and the Puerto Rico Islanders. Metapán won the first leg, 2-0, in El Salvador. The second leg takes place next Wednesday in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
