While friendlies and training have ruled the schedule so far in Bradenton, Fla., Wednesday marks the beginning of the IMG Suncoast Pro Classic.
Columbus Crew SC, New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC make up a four-deep MLS contingent. They will be joined by four other teams from across the world: OKC Energy FC of USL, HB Koge from Denmark, the Costa Rican U-23 national team and a team made up of out-of-contract players called London United, which replaced Congolese side T.P. Mazembe, who could not make it stateside.
Games will take place on February 18, 21, 25 and 28, with the tournament champion crowned on the final day. All games will be played at IMG Academy. If you would like to attend the event, you can visit the tournament website or call 1-888-345-5742 for ticketing information.
Each game being played at 5 and 7:30 will be streamed, you can find them HERE. The complete schedule is below (ET), and you can find the full slate of preseason games, results and highlights here.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
12:00 pm: Columbus Crew SC vs. London United, Field 1
2:30 pm: Philadephia Union vs. Costa Rica U-23 national team, Field 1
5:00 pm: New York Red Bulls vs. HB Koge, Stadium
7:30 pm: Toronto FC vs. OKC Energy FC, Stadium
Saturday, Feb. 21
12:00 pm: Toronto FC vs. HB Koge, Field 1
2:30 pm: New York Red Bulls vs. OKC Energy FC, Field 1
5:00 pm: Columbus Crew SC vs. Costa Rica U-23 national team, Stadium
7:30 pm: London United vs. Philadelphia Union, Stadium
Wednesday, Feb. 25
12:00 pm: Costa Rica U-23 national team vs. London United, Field 1
2:30 pm: OKC Energy FC vs. HB Koge, Field 1
5:00 pm: Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew SC, Stadium
7:30 pm: Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls, Stadium
Finals: Saturday, Feb. 28
12:00 pm: 7th Place vs. 8th Place, Field 1
2:30 pm: 5th Place vs. 6th Place, Field 1
5:00 pm: 3rd Place vs. 4th place, Stadium
7:30 pm: 1st Place vs. 2nd Place, Stadium
THE TEAMS
Club |
Synopsis |
<img alt=" " src="http://www.thecrew.com/sites/columbus/files/Columbus%20Crew%20Soccer%20Club%202015%20Badge.jpg" style="font-size: 9px; height: 50px; width: 50px;"> |
<p>Crew SC enter the 2015 season after making the playoffs for the first time since 2011. This offseason they added former Sporting Kansas City standout <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/kei-kamara" target="_blank">Kei Kamara</a>, Icelandic international <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/kristinn-steindorsson" target="_blank">Kristinn Steindorsson</a> and MLS veteran <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/chris-klute" target="_blank">Chris Klute</a>. Homegrown star <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/wil-trapp" target="_blank">Wil Trapp</a> made made his international debut for the USMNT in the team’s <a href="//matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-01-28-chile-vs-usa/recap" target="_blank">3-2 loss at Chile last month</a>. They recently finished third at the ATX Pro Challenge.</p> |
<img alt=" " src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/flag-costa-rica.png" style="height: 50px; width: 50px;"> |
<p>The Costa Rican U-23 national team will participate in this tournament as they prepare for qualifying for the Olympics in October. They have not qualified for the Olympics since 2004.</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/hb%20koge.jpg" style="font-size: 10px; width: 50px; height: 50px;"> |
<p>HB Koge compete in the Danish First Division, which is the second-highest football league in Denmark, and finished 8th in 2014.</p> |
London United |
<p>London United are comprised of players who are currently out of contract and are searching for professional clubs. They replace Congolese side T.P. Mazembe in the tournament.</p> |
<img alt=" " src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/prp-newyork_150.png" style="font-size: 9px; height: 50px; width: 50px;"> |
<p>It was a tumultuous offseason for the Red Bulls as Mike Petke was fired and <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/thierry-henry" target="_blank">Thierry Henry</a> and <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/tim-cahill" target="_blank">Tim Cahill</a> left the club. In steps Jesse Marsch, former MLS midfielder and former head coach of the Montreal Impact. He's brought with him a rebuilt midfield that includes former teammate <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/sacha-kljestan" target="_blank">Sacha Kljestan</a> and former pupil <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/felipe" target="_blank">Felipe</a>.</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/OKC-Energy_FC_logo.png" style="font-size: 9px; width: 34px; height: 50px;"> |
<p>OKC Energy FC, USL affiliate of Sporting Kansas City, are entering their second season of existence after finishing 10th in 2014. Casey Townsend, a former top-five SuperDraft pick, joins the club as OKC enters the 2015 season under 2013 MLS Cup winner <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/jimmy-nielsen" target="_blank">Jimmy Nielsen</a>.</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/5513_200x200.png" style="font-size: 10px; width: 50px; height: 50px;"> |
<p>The Union had a disappointing end to the 2014 season, missing out on the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Jim Curtin enters his first full year as head coach, while <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/cj-sapong" target="_blank">C.J. Sapong</a> is hoping to rediscover his Rookie of the Year form.</p> |
<img alt=" " src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/prp-toronto_150.png" style="font-size: 9px; height: 50px; width: 50px;"> |
<p>Bloody Big Deal Part Two. Despite bringing in three new Designated Players, Toronto FC missed out on the playoffs yet again in 2014. This season USMNT star striker <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/jozy-altidore" target="_blank">Jozy Altidore</a> and playmaker <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/sebastian-giovinco" target="_blank">Sebastian Giovinco</a> join the fold to put the past behind a club that's never qualified for the postseason.</p> |
