FC CHAMPIONS CUP: Revolution faces toughest first-round test

CONCACAF held the draw Monday for the 2003 FC Champions Cup, the region's club championship.

Four MLS clubs are entered in the tournament. The MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy open against Motagua of Honduras. The New England Revolution, runner-up in the 2002 MLS season, has the toughest test, drawing 2002 Central American club champion Alajuela. The San Jose Earthquakes face Municipal of Guatemala, and the Columbus Crew meets Arabe Unido of Panama.

The four MLS and four Mexican entrants were separated for the first-round draw.

Tentative dates for the first round are March 12 and 26. The first round must be must be completed by March 27. The quarterfinals are scheduled to be held April 9 and 16 (completed by April 17). The semifinal dates are April 30 and May 17 (completed by June 15 — the semifinal dates conflict with the Mexican Clausura playoffs). The final is scheduled to be played in August or September.