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MLS Colorado Rapids

Rapids to Participate in Desert Diamond Cup in 2014 Preseason

November 18, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Monday, November 18, 2013) -The Colorado Rapids will participate in the third annual Desert Diamond Cup in Tucson, Ariz. as part of the 2014 preseason, playing a total of four exhibition matches leading up to the Major League Soccer season. The Rapids are one of five MLS teams in the Desert Diamond Cup, which is hosted by Premier Development League side FC Tucson and will run from February 19 to March 1.

"This will be our second straight year playing matches in Tucson, and we're excited to return to the city," said Rapids President Tim Hinchey. "The setup and organization from FC Tucson is first class, and it's an opportunity to get several competitive matches to prepare for the season in a spot that isn't too far from our home here in Colorado."

In addition to the Rapids, the Desert Diamond Cup will include MLS teams Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake, as well as FC Tucson, and will consist of four days of tripleheaders with a final day culminating in the championship, third-place, and fifth-place games. The first three match days will be played at the brand new North Stadium at Kino Sports Complex. The finals, on March 1, will take place at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The 2014 FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup - Schedule of matches

(All times local MT)

Wednesday, February 19, 2014 (North Stadium at Kino Sports Complex)

Chivas USA vs. FC Tucson, 1:00 p.m.

Colorado Rapids vs. Chicago Fire, 3:30 p.m.

Real Salt Lake vs. New England Revolution, 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 22, 2014 (North Stadium at Kino Sports Complex)

FC Tucson vs. Colorado Rapids, 1:00 p.m.

Chicago Fire vs. Real Salt Lake, 3:30 p.m.

New England Revolution vs. Chivas USA, 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014 (North Stadium at Kino Sports Complex)

Chivas USA vs. Chicago Fire, 1:00 p.m.

New England Revolution vs. Colorado Rapids, 3:30 p.m.

Real Salt Lake vs. FC Tucson, 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 1, 2014 (Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium)

5th Place vs. 6th Place, 2:30 p.m.

3rd Place vs. 4th Place, 5:00 p.m.

1st Place vs. 2nd Place, 7:30 p.m.

The Rapids played a series of friendly matches in Tucson during the 2013 preseason, facing the Portland Timbers, Houston Dynamo, and San Jose Earthquakes. The team also spent time in Arizona in the 2010 and 2011 preseasons, though both trips were to the Phoenix area. In 2010, Colorado faced the Columbus Crew, LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake at the Casa Grande Performance Institute, and in 2011, the club took on Sporting KC, the Crew and the Galaxy at the Westside Complex.

COLORADO RAPIDS - PRESEASON MATCHES 2014

DAY DATE OPPONENT (LOCATION) RESULT/TIME

Wed Feb 19 Chicago Fire (Tucson, AZ)# 3:30 p.m. MT

Sat Feb 22 FC Tucson (Tucson, AZ)# 1:00 p.m. MT

Wed Feb 26 New England Revolution (Tucson, AZ)# 3:30 p.m. MT

Sat Mar 1 TBD (Tucson, AZ)# TBD

#Desert Diamond Cup presented by FC Tucson

The Rapids have finished the 2013 season, setting several franchise records during the regular season and qualifying for the playoffs for the 12th time in team history. Colorado is expected to have the 11th overall selection in January's MLS SuperDraft, after which the team will reconvene in Denver for preseason; more information on the team's preseason plans will be made public as it becomes available. Season Tickets for the 2014 season are on sale now; for more information on the team, or to purchase tickets, call 303-825-GOAL or visit www.ColoradoRapids.com .

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