Real Salt Lake in Group A for Champions League

A trip to Panama — perhaps two — is in store for Real Salt Lake later this season.

The draw for the 24-team CONCACAF Champions League was announced Wednesday, and MLS Cup champion RSL received a bye into Group A, along with Panama champion Arabe Unido.

The two-leg preliminary rounds in late July and early August will determine the other two teams. Joining Group A will be the winner of San Francisco (Panama)/Cruz Azul (Mexico) and the winner of the Canadian champion/Motagua (Honduras).

Group stage for the CCL begins Aug. 17, but dates won't be determined for several weeks. RSL will play all three teams in its group twice, at home and away.

CONCACAF Champions League preliminary round

(Host of first leg listed first)

Central America 11 vs. Xelaju (GUA)

Brujas (CRC) vs. Joe Public (TRI)

San Juan Jabloteh (TRI) vs. Santos-Toluca (Mexican Clausura runner-up)

San Francisco (PAN) vs. Cruz Azul (MEX)

Los Angeles Galaxy (USA) vs. Puerto Rico Islanders (PUR)

Tauro FC (PAN) vs. Marathon (HON)

Seattle Sounders (USA) vs. Central America 12

Toronto-Vancouver (Canadian champion) vs. Motagua (HON)Group stage

Group A

Real Salt Lake (USA)

Arabe Unido (PAN)

San Francisco/Cruz Azul winner

Toronto-Vancouver/Motagua winner

Group B

Columbus Crew (USA)

Municipal (GUA)

San Juan Jabloteh/Santos-Toluca (Mexican Clausura runner-up) winner

Brujas/Joe Public winner

Group C

Monterrey (MEX)

Saprissa (CRC)

Seattle/Central America 12 winner

Tauro/Marathon winner

Group D

Santos/Toluca (Mexican Clausura champion)

Olimpia (HON)

Los Angeles Galaxy/Puerto Rico Islanders winner

Central America 11/Xelaju winner