WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2012 - D.C. United will once again play in the Carolina Challenge Cup in Charleston, S.C. next month as part of its preseason schedule. The club begins its 17th Major League Soccer season on Saturday, March 10.
Players are set to report to RFK Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 15 for physicals and fitness testing. The team will leave for training at Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota, Fla., on Jan. 23. While in Florida the club will play a series of friendly games. The team returns to D.C. on Feb. 2. and trains in the area until Feb. 5. The team then departs for Scottsdale, Ariz., for a number of friendly dates until Feb. 16.
United then heads back to Washington for four days before traveling to Charleston, S.C. on Feb. 22, where the club will play in its seventh Carolina Challenge Cup.
Hosted by the Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium, United is set to play the Chicago Fire (Feb. 25) and Columbus Crew (March 3) along with the host club (Feb 29).
The players return to Washington on March 4 for final preparations for season opener at home on March 10.
Details of D.C. United’s preseason schedule are listed below:
D.C. United 2012 Preseason Schedule (all times EST):
January 15: Players report to RFK Stadium
January 15 – January 22: Training in Washington, D.C.
January 23 – February 2: Training camp in Sarasota, Fla.
February 3 – February 5: Training in Washington, D.C.
February 6 – February 16: Training camp in Scottsdale, Ariz.
February 17 – February 21: Training in Washington, D.C.
February 22: Travel to Charleston, S.C.
February 25: Carolina Challenge Cup match vs. Chicago Fire (5:00 p.m.)
February 29: Carolina Challenge Cup match vs. Charleston Battery (7:15 p.m.)
Saturday, March 3: Carolina Challenge Cup match vs. Columbus Crew (5:00 p.m.)
March 4: Travel to Washington, D.C.
March 5 – March 9: Training in Washington, D.C.
March 10: First Kick Weekend presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods (time and opponent TBD)
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