A perfect match up between MLS big fish the Los Angeles Galaxy and Liga MX's top "dogs" Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles. The MLS has indeed progressed from where they were a few years ago particularly in the league's athleticism. Liga MX has always been depicted as the "only" major league in North and Central America, in terms of physicality, technique and tactics. The first leg in Los Angeles was an example of the two different types of playing styles. The second leg was an exact same example, but with a higher level of intensity and urgency added by both squads.

The first leg in Los Angeles was a strong depiction of the difference between both teams and their respective leagues as well. The first game of this tie was in fact the Galaxy's second game of their new campaign this season. Opposed to Club Tijuana who is in the middle of their season of the Liga MX Clasaura, the difference of form was evident. LA Galaxy head coach reiterated multiple times to the media. That the setup of the MLS season opposed to that of Liga MX puts the CONCACAF Champions League greatly in the favor of Liga MX. The Galaxy began the first leg flying and pushing themselves forward into good positions at the Stub Hub Center. In just 12 minutes the Galaxy found the back of the net for the first time this season (after losing their home opener 0-1 to RSL). The Galaxy's new acquisition Samuel bolted into the box in the 12th minute to collect Keane’s woeful first touche. Samuel smashed his shot into the back of the net from close range to give the LA Galaxy the lead 1-0 and opening his scoring account after two starts for LA.

The first half at the Stub Hub Center was a strong physical display by the Los Angeles Galaxy; Club Tijuana appeared shell shocked in the first 45 minutes. The second half on the other hand would prove be a very exciting non-scoring half of North American soccer. Xoloitzcuintles came out firing and were surprisingly effective on set pieces. Challenging Jaime Penedo several times and forcing the Panamanian keeper into making many crucial saves. The first leg at Stub Hub ended in a 1-0 victory for the home side, a crucial win but the Galaxy could of had won by a larger margin. When Club Tijuana Head coach Cesar Farias was confronted about the result of the first tie, he admitted to his side's dismal showing in the first half. Cesar Farias also thought that Xolos deserved a goal for their efforts in the second half. Farias was also quick to mention his confidence in Xoloitzcuintles when they returned home in Tijuana for the second leg.

The second leg in Baja California was electrifying to say the least, as it took the home side just one whole minute to get on the score sheet. Quick buildup by Xolos brought Benedetto and Jaime Ayovi in the box. After an obvious foul on Benedetto the ball fell to Ayovi and the Ecuadorian winger quickly dispatched his shot into the net. In less than two minutes Tijuana had equalized the aggregate score at the Estadio Caliente and things would get worst for the Galaxy. In the ninth minute Jaime would grab his second goal of the night to make it 2-0 to Xoloitzcuintles. A beautiful over the top pass by Javier Guemez sent the onside Ayovi one on one with Jaime Penedo. The man from the equator slipped passed Penedo and easily slid his shot into the goal to make it 2-0 to Tijuana.

The Galaxy's nightmares wouldn't end there either, in the 26th minute Dario Benedetto punished LA after woeful defending from Leonardo. The ball fell in front of Leonardo instead of quickly clearing the ball Leonardo attempted to control the ball. Benedetto mugged Leonardo and from there it was Benedetto taking on Penedo. Dario sent his shot low and to Penedo's right side netting to make it 3-0 to Club Tijuana. The Galaxy defense looked sluggish to say the least, Gonzalez and De La Garza were making tackles. Leonardo and Riley on the other hand were struggling to keep up with Xolos and their high level of urgency going into this match. Halftime couldn't come quick enough for the Los Angeles Galaxy as it was more than evident that a change or two was required.

For the second half Bruce Arena made a double substitution, Riley came off for Todd Dunivant and Samuel exited for the 6’ 4” Robert Friend. After the subs, the Galaxy came back firing, trying to remedy the situation they have found themselves in. In fact, it took just two minutes for the Galaxy to pull a goal back and to establish a lifeline for them. A free kick close to the middle of the field was sent in by Donovan, Gonzalez got to the free kick, nodded the ball to the far post where Robbie Keane was crashing and made it 3-1 in Tijuana. The thrills and spills of the tie wouldn't come to a head until the 82nd minute when Richard Ruiz smashed home a brilliant shot to make it 4-1. More drama would unfold as Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane linked up on a dazzling counter attack, 4-2.

The match in Tijuana ended 4-2, in favor of Club TJ, the 1-0 lost in LA made the aggregate 4-3 in favor of Xolos. The tie was a fascinating one, a spectacle to observe, in fact an interesting comparison between the two leagues. One has to make an obvious critique that due to the poor scheduling (yes, its poor scheduling) in the MLS. Each team from the MLS will have a hard time performing against their Liga MX counter parts since they have been playing for 11 weeks in their respective league. Opposed to the just two matches the Galaxy has played for their season thus far. An admiral display by the Galaxy in the second half in Tijuana, but it just wasn't enough for LA to progress to the semi finals of the CONCACAF Champions League. The effort displayed by the LA Galaxy in Tijuana, particularly their second half is proof that the MLS is capable of competing against Liga MX. The main detriment to the Galaxy and their campaign for the Champions league should be placed squarely on the MLS. The structure of the league’s schedule allows their teams who are competing in the champions’ league to take an extended break. The LA Galaxy played with real character; they just couldn’t outplay a team who is in form in their current season. Great performance by Xoloitzcuintles, returning home from a defeat in Carson, and scoring four goals at home to qualify to the Champions League semifinals.