"It doesn't matter what league it is. If the team is always at the top of its league, then it's obviously a good team. There are no cupcakes in this tournament," said Houston defender Eddie Robinson of the inaugural tournament.

"The people in Hawaii should be excited, because they are going to see some good soccer. It is going to be entertaining, to say the least."

Sydney kick off the tournament against the MLS powerhouse next Wednesday at 6.30pm local time (est Sydney time 3.30pm Tuesday afternoon).

That game is followed by the LA Galaxy versus Gamba Osaka clash. Both games are at the Aloha stadium in Honolulu.

The winners play-off for the title on the Saturday night and the losers fight it out for third and fourth on another double-header.

Defending Nabisco Cup champions Gamba Osaka have already arrived in Honolulu eight days prior to the start of the championship.

"We want to go over there and play well; we are not looking at this as a vacation,” Robinson added.

Dynamo goalkeeper Tony Caig says the A-League and MLS are on a similar path.

"The level over there [in the A-League] is growing and getting stronger every year, taking a similar course just like the MLS. It will be good competition for them as well as us."

Houston Dynamo is run by AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group), which amongst other projects, has ownership and/or control of LA's Staples Centre, LA Galaxy and LA Lakers.