It’s nothing new that the L.A. Galaxy will be playing Spanish power Real Madrid this summer. However, what is new is that it will be part of a new inaugural summer tournament with 8 teams consisting of two brackets, East and West. Juventus, Everton Real Madrid and LA Galaxy will compete in the West bracket with AC Milan, Valencia, Inter Milan and Chelsea competing in the East.

The tournament play will begin July 27 at Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain before migrating to the United States. Valencia is the only European city that will host a match with the other venues being Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, AT&T Park in San Francisco, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, University of Phoenix Stadium in Phoenix, Met Life Stadium in Rutherford New Jersey (listed as New York?!?!?) and Sun Life Stadium in Miami for the final on August 7. For the complete schedule by date click here. For the complete schedule by bracket click here.

Each team is guaranteed three matches with L.A. playing at least one game at home in L.A. at the legendary Dodger Stadium (fun fact: this will the be the FIRST soccer game to take place in Chavez Ravine). The Guinness International Championships Cup, as it’s being called, will be good international exposure for teams like Valencia, Everton and the Galaxy who are trying to grow their international brand. It will also be particularly good for the young Galaxy  players who will get the chance to play against top quality players and teams.

While I’m excited for the tournament, especially for Valencia to come to the States again, I do wonder if this will help or hurt the Galaxy’s chances of winning a third successive MLS Championship and becoming another dynasty in Los Angeles. Let’s hope it helps and L.A. gets their third in a row. Move over Lakers!