For the second consecutive year, the Colorado Rapids will participate in the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup during the 2015 MLS preseason. FC Tucson today released the schedule, revealing that the Rapids will face Sporting Kansas City, New England Revolution and the Montreal Impact in matches held between February 18 and 28.
“Playing competitive games is one of the most important parts of preseason and our team preparations, and FC Tucson once again has done a great job of getting talented teams together for this tournament,” said Colorado Rapids Technical Director and Vice President of Soccer Operations, Paul Bravo.
“We use these matches as a chance to evaluate new players, test formations, and plan for the upcoming season. We’re looking forward to having a good showing there again this year.”
The six participating teams will play a round-robin style tournament with three first-round matches. Teams will advance based on their record in those games to play for 1st, 3rd and 5th place. Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders FC will also participate in the tournament.
Last season, Colorado finished the tournament with a 1-1-2 record, defeating Real Salt Lake 1-0 for their only win of the trip and drawing 2-2 with New England in their last match.
Colorado Rapids Desert Diamond Cup schedule
Wednesday, February 18 |
Colorado Rapids vs. Sporting Kansas City |
5.30 p.m MT |
Saturday, February 21 |
Colorado Rapids vs. New England Revolution |
5.30 p.m MT |
Wednesday, February 25 |
Colorado Rapids vs. Montreal Impact |
5.30 p.m MT |
Saturday, February 28 |
Colorado Rapids vs. TBD |
TBD |
In what will be its fourth year, the event is organized by FC Tucson of the Premier Development League. The Desert Diamond Cup is one of few major preseason events for Major League Soccer teams. Others include the Disney Pro Soccer Classic in Orlando, Fla., and the Carolina Cup Challenge in Charleston, S.C.
