FC Tucson brings 11 MLS teams to Kino Sports Complex in early 2014

FC Tucson is bringing more Major League Soccer teams to Pima County’s Kino Sports Complex and scheduling more weekend preseason matches in February and March 2014.

Eleven of the league’s 19 clubs will play 16 matches here from Feb. 1 to March 1.

Houston Dynamo, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes, Sporting Kansas City and Seattle Sounders FC will participate in preseason friendlies on Saturday, Feb. 1, and Saturday, Feb. 8, at the new Kino Sports Complex North Stadium.

The Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake will join FC Tucson of the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League (PDL) in the third FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup from Feb. 19 to March 1.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC will visit Tucson for a behind-closed-doors preseason friendly against the Houston Dynamo.

This year’s Desert Diamond Cup will be four days – two Wednesdays and two Saturdays -- of tripleheaders. The first three match days will be at the new North Stadium. The finals, on March 1, will be at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium.

For more information or to buy tickets, please visit www.FCTucson.com.

Pre-Cup Schedule (all matches at Kino Sports Complex North Stadium)

Saturday, Feb. 1
Portland Timbers vs. Sporting Kansas City, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 8
Houston Dynamo vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 3 p.m.
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Portland Timbers, 6 p.m.

2014 FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup
Wednesday, Feb. 19 (North Stadium)
Chivas USA vs. FC Tucson, 1 p.m.
Colorado Rapids vs. Chicago Fire, 3:30 p.m.
Real Salt Lake vs. New England Revolution, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 22 (North Stadium)
FC Tucson vs. Colorado Rapids, 1 p.m.
Chicago Fire vs. Real Salt Lake, 3 p.m.
New England Revolution vs. Chivas USA, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 26 (North Stadium)
Chivas USA vs. Chicago Fire, 1 p.m.
New England Revolution vs. Colorado Rapids, 3:30 p.m.
Real Salt Lake vs. FC Tucson, 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 1 (Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium)
5^th Place vs. 6^th Place, 2:30 p.m.
3^rd Place vs. 4^th Place, 5 p.m.
1^st Place vs. 2^nd Place, 7:30 p.m.

In addition to the North Stadium, with an 1,800-seat grandstand and bleachers that seat 560, Kino Sports Complex North includes the 1,000-seat North Grandstand field, four more soccer fields, the FC Tucson clubhouse, and parking.

In addition to the 11,000-seat Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium (8,000 seats and 3,000 grass seating), Kino Sports Complex South includes seven full-sized practice fields (four with lights); two practice infields; two lighted soccer fields; indoor, outdoor and underground batting cages; three full-service clubhouses; and dedicated parking lots. Visit www.kinosportscomplex.com or call 520-546-5466.

FC Tucson, established in 2010, is committed to bringing the highest caliber of competitive soccer to Tucson and establishing a successful and long-lasting source of pride for city, county, state and country. FC Tucson owns FC Tucson Soccer, Tucson’s top-level soccer team and the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup, a Major League Soccer preseason tournament. In 2012, FC Tucson was named the PDL Rookie Franchise of the Year. For more information or to purchase tickets to FC Tucson events, visit www.fctucson.com.