MLS clubs endured a miserable Sunday afternoon in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup first-round series in Central America.

The defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy managed to tie Motagua of Honduras, 2-2, but the San Jose Earthquakes lost to Municipal of Guatemala, 4-2, and the Columbus Crew fell to Arabe Unido of Panama, 2-1.

All three MLS clubs conceded penalty kicks and had at least one player sent off.

The Galaxy lost 2002 MLS MVP Carlos Ruiz for the second leg when he received his second yellow card in the 80th minute for dissent. Ruiz had given the Galaxy the first of two leads in the 21st minute, but Honduran international Amado Guevara tied the score seven minutes later when he converted a penalty kick.

Guevara earned Motagua a tie with five minutes left after Alexi Lalas had put Los Angeles ahead again midway through the second half.

Canadian keeper Pat Onstad won't quickly forget his Quakes' debut. San Jose was down, 3-0, after 40 minutes and, 4-0, after Municipal was awarded a penalty kick in the 55th minute.

Manny Lagos scored twice to pull the Quakes within striking distance, but hopes of a comeback evaporated in the final 10 minutes when Richard Mulrooney and Troy Dayak were sent off for their second yellow cards.

Lagos' goals came after Municipal forward Carlos Figueroa was sent off. Nine yellow cards and three reds were handed out.

The Quakes were without midfielder Ronnie Ekelund, who returned to his native Denmark after learning that his father was involved in a near-fatal car accident.

The Crew fell behind early when Columbus goalkeeper Jon Busch fouled Blas Perez in the box. Agustin Salinas converted the penalty in the seventh minute to give Arabe a 1-0 lead.

The Crew's troubles continued when Jeff Cunningham was ejected for an elbow in the 56th minute, but an Edson Buddle goal in the 63rd minute on an assist from Kyle Martino gave Columbus hope of departing from Colon with a tie.

It took Arabe only two minutes to regain the lead, however. A rebound goal by Julio Medina proved to be the game-winner for the Panamanians.