Tucson is slated to host another round of MLS preseason action, and this year’s Desert Diamond Cup will have just a little more meaning.
MLS preseason matches and training camps are popping up all around the country, with teams heading to various locations for some early work. Tucson will be something of a hub for that action in the coming weeks, as it will host a record six MLS teams for the Desert Diamond Cup.
Starting on February 18, there will be a pretty compelling list of clubs participating in matches. Saturday’s games include the New England Revolution vs. the Colorado Rapids, New York Red Bulls vs. Sporting K.C., and New York City FC vs. the Houston Dynamo.
Tucson has already featured some preseason action at the Kino Sports Complex this year, with the Desert Friendlies wrapping up earlier this month. However, officials believe that the mix of teams in this year’s Desert Diamond Cup will be of particular intrigue for fans. More from Tucson.com:
The Desert Diamond Cup is a win-win for the participating teams and Tucson sports fans. The MLS teams get to train in warm weather, while soccer aficionados get to watch “The Beautiful Game” up close.
“Fans will be 15 to 20 feet away from players like Andrea Pirlo, David Villa and Tim Howard, who have played in World Cups,” said Greg Foster, co-founder and managing partner of FC Tucson, the team that hosts MLS preseason.“This may be their only chance to see this much talent this close.”
The Desert Diamond Cup will conclude on February 25.
Image courtesy FC Tucson.