MLS Cup 2011 Champion LA Galaxy To Play In FC Tuscon Desert Diamond Cup

The Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic is going on its third year now, so it was only a matter of time before more pre-season tournaments sprang up. With Orlando City SC hosting the WDW Pro Soccer Classic, FC Tuscon started the Desert Diamond Cup, which started play last year. The LA Galaxy will spend a part of their preseason in Tuscon, and then play in the Cup with Real Salt Lake, New England Revolution, and New York Red Bulls.

Going to Arizona and Florida for pre-season training is nothing new, Major League Baseball has been doing it for decades. Neither is playing a series of pre-season warmups, giving teams a chance to see their full roster in action. The games will be played at the Kino Sports Complex. The facility used to host the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox Spring Training activities. The 11,000 seater main stadium is now used for community college football.

"The LA Galaxy are excited to participate in the 2nd annual FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup," LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena said. "Tucson is an outstanding venue for our preseason as we prepare for the CONCACAF Champions League and the MLS regular season. We look forward to the outstanding weather, facilities and hospitality that Tucson has to offer and look forward a challenging competition."