D.C. UNITED (USA) vs. ALAJUELA (Costa Rica) D.C. United finished out of the MLS playoffs for the first time in their short five-year history in 2000, ending second from last in the MLS standings after winning three titles and losing in the final of the fourth. But the Black-and-Red come in having a Champions Cup title and two third-place finishes in their three appearances, and having won an Interamerican Cup title, defeating Vasco da Gama of Brazil in 1999. KEY MAN: Jaime Moreno — Bolivian international who has become the focal point of the United attack from a very active striker role, his abilities more and more lessening the reliance on fellow Bolivian Marco Etcheverry. Alajeula has been, simply, the best club in Costa Rica over the past 18 months. It dominated the 1999-2000 season, winning both halves, then finished top of the just-completed Apertura by 11 points ahead of its nearest challenger. But success on the continental stage has not come as easily, with a title in 1986, though the Rojinegros performed well in the 2000 Copa Merconorte. KEY MAN: Pablo Izaguirre — Wonderfully talented Argentinian playmaker who has been involved in a bit of a dispute with Coach Guilherme Farinha, but still provides a driving force not usually seen in Costa Rica. TELEVISION: GALAVISION Wednesday, Jan. 17 (live), 9:15 pm (East Coast feed); Thursday, Jan. 18 (tape), 12:15 am (West Coast feed). FOX SPORTS WORLD Friday, Jan. 19 (tape), 5 pm & 11 pm. LOS ANGELES GALAXY (USA) vs. REAL ESPA-A (Honduras) The Los Angeles Galaxy again fell short in its bid for a first MLS championship in 2000, falling to eventual champion Kansas City Wizards in the semifinals. The offseason has also not gone smoothly, without the participation of key performers. Unavailable is Mexican star Luis Hernandez (on loan to Club America). Out-of-contract Cobi Jones and Greg Vanney signed short-term deals to suit up specifically for the cup. An already strong defensive group has been added to with Alexi Lalas, looking to return from retirement for the 2001 season. KEY MAN: Mauricio Cienfuegos — Salvadoran international who has been the hard-working hub of the Galaxy for five seasons, who will be relied upon even more depending on the makeshift status of the Los Angeles first XI. Real Espa±a reached the Honduran finals of the 1999 season — then has seen hard times since. The Maquina Amarilla barely escaped relegation last year, then in the just completed Apertura, limped into the upcoming Liguilla after finishing fourth despite losing its last matches. But the aurinegros surprised everyone with an excellent Champions Cup campaign in Central America, reaching the final round with a last-gasp 3-2 victory against Guatemala’s Municipal. KEY MAN: Walter Caprile: One of a number of Uruguayans brought in by fellow countryman, Coach Ariel Longo, prior to the start of the current season. Operates in the traditional playmaking role behind the front two. TELEVISION: GALAVISION Wednesday, Jan. 17 (live), 11:30 pm (East Coast feed); Thursday, Jan. 18 (tape), 2:30 am (West Coast feed). FOX SPORTS WORLD Friday, Jan. 19 (tape), 8 pm; Saturday, Jan. 20 (tape), 11 pm. FOX SPORTS WORLD ESPANOL Sunday, Jan. 21 (tape), 9 pm.