GALAXY LOOKING FOR MORE RESPECT.

Byline: Fred J. Robledo Staff Writer

There might not be anyone more excited about going to the FIFA Club World Championships than Kevin Hartman, whose affection for England's famed Manchester United might turn the 26-year-old Galaxy goalkeeper into a stargazing fan.

``I might be running around looking for signatures,'' Hartman joked.

Manchester United is just one of a handful of tradition-rich soccer clubs that will be participating in the July-August tournament, which the Galaxy gets to take part in after beating D.C. United 4-2 in penalty kicks in Friday's CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal. The two clubs played to a 1-1 draw in regulation.

Today's Champions Cup final at the Coliseum (1 p.m.) against CD Olimpia of Honduras, a 4-0 winner over Mexico's Pachuca, figures to be far less dramatic than Friday's semifinals.

It will be nice to hold up a trophy this afternoon, but the goal of this tournament was to book a flight to Spain, which both clubs get to do for having reached the championship.

Major League Soccer, which has long been considered a joke in Mexico - and is one of the least-respected leagues in the CONCACAF region - displayed some of the best soccer in the tournament.

The United-Galaxy match, end to end much of the evening, was the most entertaining match thus far. And even more satisfying was how the MLS outperformed Mexico, which watched both of its clubs, including three-time summer-league champion Toluca, fade out of the picture.

``It's a tremendous statement for U.S. Soccer,'' Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid said. ``Hopefully it will help us gain respect, not only from teams within CONCACAF but also respect from the fans.

``Maybe they will say, 'Wait a second, the U.S. is accomplishing things that our own home team's aren't.' We deserve respect for what we've done.''

The Galaxy also has a newfound image after losing two MLS Cup championships to United, in addition to other U.S. Open and International Cup events.

``I think the mindset of this team is going to change a little bit,'' said Schmid. ``You have to win games like this to start to believe in yourself. And how you win doesn't matter, you've got to be able to withstand the heat and fire and come out on top.''

Of course, there is a huge responsibility with going to Spain. What if the Galaxy gets trounced or embarrassed? When asked, Schmid said he never thinks that way.

``The responsibility is that we got a great opportunity,'' said Schmid. ``If anything, it should bring a little chill down your back knowing you will get a chance to do something like this. And it gives our players a chance to show that they are quality soccer players.''

Hartman, two years removed from that embarrassing day when he chunked a foot of turf, giving away the back-breaking goal that led to United's 2-0 victory in the 1999 MLS Cup, and second championship over L.A., was the hero on Friday. He saved two penalty kicks in the shootout, and three in the tournament, which allowed the Galaxy to keep advancing.

Just for going to Spain, the clubs are awarded a minimum of $1 million, which will double nearly half the salaries most Galaxy players earn for an entire season.

GALAXY vs. CD OLIMPIA

What: CONCACAF Champion's Cup finals

Kickoff: 1 p.m., at the Coliseum

Specifics: The Galaxy achieved its goal by reaching the finals of the CONCACAF Champion's Cup, in which it faces CD Olimpia of Honduras. Both teams gained entry to the prestigious FIFA Club World Championships by winning their semifinal matches, and the CONCACAF title would simply be icing on the cake.

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Box: GALAXY vs. CD OLIMPIA (see text)