The first set of matches in this year's Desert Diamond Cup are in the books with one surprising result from Wednesday's action. Held in Tucson, Ari
The first set of matches in this year’s Desert Diamond Cup are in the books with one surprising result from Wednesday’s action.
Held in Tucson, Arizona, the Desert Diamond Cup, currently in its fifth official year, saw USL expansion side, Swope Park Rangers, defeat Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids, 3-1. The two other matches on Wednesday ended in draws with Sporting Kansas City and the Columbus Crew ending 2-2, and Real Salt Lake and the New England Revolution ending 3-3.
Swope Park Rangers vs Colorado Rapids, 3-1 – Full Recap
Sporting Kansas City vs Columbus Crew, 2-2 – Full Recap
Real Salt Lake vs New England Revolution, 3-3 – Full Recap
The other competing teams in the Desert Diamond Cup, who did not play on Wednesday, are the Houston Dynamo (MLS), Arizona United SC (USL), and tournament hosts FC Tucson (PDL).
Tucson is about a 6-hour drive from the Southern California area, but if you’re looking for high-level soccer in a relaxing atmosphere the Desert Diamond Cup is the perfect fit. Because it is preseason, attendance numbers aren’t overflowing and players are typically more relaxed. Allowing for more photographs, signatures, and maybe even some free gear.
The next round of matches will kick off on Saturday, featuring Arizona United SC vs Swope Park Rangers, Real Salt Lake vs Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids vs Houston Dynamo, and Sporting Kansas City vs New England Revolution. After this, more matches will be held February 24, with the final and consolation matches February 27.
