LA Galaxy defeat Isidro Metapan 3-2, will host Herediano in quarterfinals

The LA Galaxy defeated Isidro Metapan tonight 3-2 on the road in El Salvador. The mostly reserve side managed a result that puts the Galaxy into the fourth seed for the Championship Round of this tournament. The Galaxy had already clinched a spot in the Championship Round.

The match winner was scored by Michael Stephens in the 80', after a cross bounced off the far post. Marcelo Sarvas had slid outside the post to save the ball but wasn't necessary, as the ball landed right at the feet of Michael Stephens who pushed the ball in to give the Galaxy all three points.

Seventeen year old Jack McBean managed the brace for the first two Galaxy goals. McBean headed in the first goal, which hit the underside of the crossbar then fell over the line. The Galaxy managed another before halftime, but it was waved off.

In the second half, Paolo Suarez managed to level for Metapan with his fifth career Champions League goal. McBean the notched a second, smashing the ball into the net for his third career Champions League goal. Nicholas Munoz then equalized again for Metapan with a great curving free kick goal after a questionable foul call.

The Galaxy move ahead of Herediano of Costa Rica in the seeding, and will now host the second leg of their quarterfinal tie. LA are in the same side of the bracket with Monterrey and Xelaju. Xelaju actually lost to CD Guadalajara tonight 2-1, but advance on away goals between the two teams.

CONCACAF Champions League will resume in March. The full slate sees Monterrey take on Xelaju, LA Galaxy taking on Herediano, Seattle going head to head with UNAL Tigres, and finally Santos Laguna will toe the line against the Houston Dynamo.