GUATEMALA CITY - Things are heating up in domestic league action for Mexican and Central American teams preparing to kick off CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal action this week.

In Costa Rica, Herediano continued its march up the Summer 2013 table with a win over flagging San Carlos ahead of a midweek visit from Major League Soccer champion LA Galaxy. Visiting Herediano got early goals from Yendrick Ruiz and Minor Diaz in the 3rd and 16th minutes, respectively, for a 2-1 win. The victory moves El Team all the way up to fifth place, just one short of a playoff position, and only one point out of second place.

To the north, in Guatemala, Xelaju continues to struggle heading into its midweek clash with two-time defending CONCACAF champion Monterrey. The Super Chivos dropped a third straight league match on Saturday evening, 3-0, at Petapa.

In Liga MX play, Monterrey got an equally disappointing result from its visit to relegation threatened Queretaro. The Rayados continued their uneven league form with a 1-0 loss, falling to 14th in the league table.

Mexico's other two remaining CONCACAF Champions League participants had better luck.

Santos won its second straight as it prepares to battle Houston on Tuesday. Two strikes from Herculez Gomez sandwiched another from Oribe Peralta, all within the first 20 minutes of the match, as the Warriors climbed to sixth place with a 3-1 road win at Jaguares.

Tigres, which will host MLS side Seattle on Wednesday, maintained its undefeated record and first place in the league with a 1-1 draw at home to Morelia. Lucas Lobos put the host ahead in 27th minute, but Monarcas leveled at the end through Carlos Ochoa.