Pablo Mastroeni. (Denver Post file photo)
The Rapids’ 2016 preseason schedule began to take shape Tuesday as the club announced it will return to Tucson, Ariz., for the Desert Diamond Cup in 2016.
The tournament, hosted by FC Tucson of the PDL, runs from Feb. 17 to 27 with the Rapids set to play in four matches at Kino North Sports Complex. Match days are set for Feb. 17, 20, 24 and 27.
New England Revolution, Real Salt Lake, Sporting Kansas City, Swope Park Rangers (USL) and FC Tucson are also scheduled to participate.
This will be the Rapids’ third consecutive appearance in the tournament. Colorado finished second in last year’s Desert Diamond Cup, falling to RSL in the final, 2-1.
Scheduled shortly before the start of the MLS regular season, the tournament has typically been the club’s best opportunity to gain match sharpness and work on team tactics, chemistry and formations prior to the first match of the year.
2016 FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup Tournament (All kickoffs are Mountain Standard Time)
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Game #1, 5:30PM: Kino North Stadium
Game #2, 6:00 PM: Kino North Grandstand
Game #3, 8:00PM: Kino North Stadium
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Game #4, 5:30 PM: Kino North Stadium
Game #5, 6:00 PM: Kino North Grandstand
Game #6, 8:00 PM: Kino North Stadium
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Game #7, 5:30 PM: Kino North Stadium
Game #8, 6:00 PM: Kino North Grandstand
Game #9, 8:00 PM: Kino North Stadium
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Game #10, 5:30 PM: 5th Place v. 6th Place, Kino North Stadium
Game #11, 6:00 PM: 3rd Place v. 4th place, Kino North Grandstand
Game #12, 8:00 PM: 1st Place v. 2nd Place, Kino North Stadium
