More on Hejduk's Mexican expedition

Do you know what the Concacaf Champions League is, or even care? It is Concacaf's attempt to create a premier tournament for the top clubs in North and Central America. The region has had some sort of Champions Cup for more than four decades, but it still hasn't found popular support among fans and clubs.

MLS clubs have won the title twice, DC United being the first (1998) and Los Angeles Galaxy (2000) being the other. Since the Galaxy's victory a MLS side has not even made the final. In fact, only Mexican and Costa Rican teams have been featured in the final since MLS had it last victory.

The wide availability of televised soccer hasn't helped grow the little tournament that can't. I mean, who is really going to be geeked to watch Columbus or DC United in action tonight when EPL and UEFA Champions League is available on the tube, just waiting to be Tivoed?

The good thing about Concacaf's new league format that was implemented last season, it allows for USL clubs to make into the tournament. Well, at least three USL clubs. Vancouver, Montreal, and Puerto Rico. Last year's tournament saw both Puerto Rico and Montreal punch well above their weight and out perform the MLS entrants. Theoretically, if an American USL club was to win the US Open cup, it would also get a ticket to the dance. So USL fans have really keyed in on this tournament as a way to prove their league's worth against MLS.

I have no idea whether the two matches tonight will be entertaining or not. Hopefully, the Crew will give Cruz Azul a good game and get a result. The Crew, captained by former Mutiny man Frankie Hejduk, seem to be taking this match seriously. DC will hope for the best against Toluca, but won't sweat it if they continue their seven game win less streak in the cup's group stage, dating back to last season.

The Crew have a legitimate shot at making it out of the group stage after their 2-0 opening victory against USL's Puerto Rico Islanders. A result (either tie or win) would go a long way to steering Columbus through to the quarterfinals. It will be at least fun to see how they fare against a Mexican team.

The fact is, that these games are important in building soccer in this country. Not as important as the USA-Mexico showdown a few weeks back, but still very important. MLS clubs need to be successful against foreign clubs to gain the respect of many soccer fans in this country. And to the casual fan, an opportunity to see a side of soccer that is unique to soccer. No other major sport in America has their teams competing against foreign clubs. The problem is, Americans like winners, and right now, there isn't a whole lot of winning going on.

TV information: Toluca (Mexico) at DC United 8pm, Fox Soccer Channel

Columbus at Cruz Azul (Mexico) 10pm, Fox Soccer Channel