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Colorado Rapids head coach Robin Fraser and Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes saw everything they wanted to see in the preseason match except a goal. 

Both coaches played the first-team in the opening 45 minutes and gave the academy players chances in the second half. It was the first time Colorado went onto the field in 2022, and the second time for Sporting KC after playing against the U.S. Men's National Team last week. 

"It's our second game, our expectation was just to get 45 minutes out of the players today," said Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes. "I thought from a play perspective and a condition point of view, we're in a pretty good place."

Sporting KC had a few good chances in the first half but none could find the back of the net. 

Colorado Rapids head coach Robin Fraser and Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes saw everything they wanted to see in the preseason match except a goal. 

Both coaches played the first-team in the opening 45 minutes and gave the academy players chances in the second half. It was the first time Colorado went onto the field in 2022, and the second time for Sporting KC after playing against the U.S. Men’s National Team last week. 

“It’s our second game, our expectation was just to get 45 minutes out of the players today,” said Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes. “I thought from a play perspective and a condition point of view, we’re in a pretty good place.”

Sporting KC had a few good chances in the first half but none could find the back of the net. 

Colorado came out firing in the second half, grabbing a few close calls but all were sent just wide of the net. 

"I thought we defended well," said Colorado Rapids head coach Robin Fraser. "Late in the second half we pushed up and really started to get pressure on them and I thought we moved really well and cohesively."

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson continues Sunday with a doubleheader World Cup Qualifying watch party at The Neighborhood DWTN. United States will face off against Canada in the first match, followed by Mexico versus Costa Rica. The event returns to Kino North Stadium on Feb. 5 where Colorado Rapids will take on the Houston Dynamo at 4 p.m. (BUY TICKETS). 

Colorado came out firing in the second half, grabbing a few close calls but all were sent just wide of the net. 

“I thought we defended well,” said Colorado Rapids head coach Robin Fraser. “Late in the second half we pushed up and really started to get pressure on them and I thought we moved really well and cohesively.”

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson continues Sunday with a doubleheader World Cup Qualifying watch party at The Neighborhood DWTN. United States will face off against Canada in the first match, followed by Mexico versus Costa Rica. The event returns to Kino North Stadium on Feb. 5 where Colorado Rapids will take on the Houston Dynamo at 4 p.m. (BUY TICKETS). 

More than 2,000 people headed to Kino North Stadium on Wednesday to see the kickoff of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson. The crowd did not see any goals, but they witnessed an exciting opening match. 

Both coaches looked at the game as a rivalry and a chance to give young players a chance to get minutes. 

Saravese and Schmetzer were happy with the performances but wished that they were able to grab a goal. 

"We had some good opportunities to score," said Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer. "Unfortunately we didn't have that one little bit of quality or luck to get the ball in the back of the net." 

More than 2,000 people headed to Kino North Stadium on Wednesday to see the kickoff of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson. The crowd did not see any goals, but they witnessed an exciting opening match. 

Both coaches looked at the game as a rivalry and a chance to give young players a chance to get minutes. 

Saravese and Schmetzer were happy with the performances but wished that they were able to grab a goal. 

“We had some good opportunities to score,” said Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer. “Unfortunately we didn’t have that one little bit of quality or luck to get the ball in the back of the net.” 

Portland had a good scoring chance in the second half but the attempt was sent over the bar. 

"I wish we could have given them at least a goal," Timbers coach Giovanni Saravese said. "This crowd is here to watch Seattle against Portland, and it doesn't matter who plays, who doesn't, it's a rivalry."

Portland had a good scoring chance in the second half but the attempt was sent over the bar. 

“I wish we could have given them at least a goal,” Timbers coach Giovanni Saravese said. “This crowd is here to watch Seattle against Portland, and it doesn’t matter who plays, who doesn’t, it’s a rivalry.”

Portland and Seattle each used 22 different players in the match which featured academy players and trialists. Tucson native Donny Toia featured with the Timbers after leaving Real Salt Lake during the break. 

"Offseason I'm always here, it's good to be back with another new team," said Toia. "I have another opportunity and I'm just trying to take full advantage of it right now." 

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson continues on Thursday with a watch party for the U.S versus El Salvador World Cup qualifying match at Pueblo Vida. The event will return to Kino North Stadium on Saturday where Sporting Kansas City will take on the Colorado Rapids at 4 p.m. (BUY TICKETS). 

Portland and Seattle each used 22 different players in the match which featured academy players and trialists. Tucson native Donny Toia featured with the Timbers after leaving Real Salt Lake during the break. 

“Offseason I’m always here, it’s good to be back with another new team,” said Toia. “I have another opportunity and I’m just trying to take full advantage of it right now.” 

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson continues on Thursday with a watch party for the U.S versus El Salvador World Cup qualifying match at Pueblo Vida. The event will return to Kino North Stadium on Saturday where Sporting Kansas City will take on the Colorado Rapids at 4 p.m. (BUY TICKETS). 

The Cascadia rivalry is coming to Southern Arizona.

One of Major League Soccer’s fiercest derbies has been added as part of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson, as the Portland Timbers officially committed to the event Wednesday.

The Timbers will play Seattle Sounders FC on Jan. 26 at Kino North Stadium (7 p.m.), and will train in Tucson from Jan. 20-Feb. 5. The Timbers will replace Real Salt Lake as the Sounders’ opponent.

Due to scheduling logistics and technical considerations, Real Salt Lake has opted out of playing a preseason friendly. RSL will still come to Tucson to train from Jan. 21-Feb. 3. Fans who have purchased tickets to the RSL-Seattle matchup and the ticket package will have the option to substitute in the Portland-Seattle.

BUY TICKETS: Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers

“Not only has Portland and Seattle been one of Major League Soccer’s biggest rivalries for nearly two decades, but they’ve been a significant part of our preseason event,” said FC Tucson President Amanda Powers. “We are very fortunate to have a club the caliber of the Timbers as part of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson, and the step in to play Seattle as our kickoff game is a huge win for soccer fans in the region.”

Portland and Seattle have been regional rivals dating to their days in the old North American Soccer League, beginning in 1975, and that has carried through the various leagues the teams have been part of. It’s continued in the MLS, where the Sounders have won the championship twice (2016 and 2019) and the Timbers won in 2015. The two teams have accounted for the last seven Western Conference champions, with Portland reaching the MLS Cup this season, losing on penalty kicks to NYCFC.

The two annually play for the Cascadia Cup, named for the region that also encompasses Vancouver.

Their matchups have extended to the Arizona, where both teams have significant fanbases.

Seattle and Portland have been both frequent participants in the MLS preseason in Tucson. They’ve played each other six times, including a 1-1 draw in 2017 before more than 4,000 fans at Kino. Seattle won 2-1 in 2018 and Portland won 2-1 in 2019.

Local soccer fans will also get the first chance to see Grand Canyon University product Justin Rasmussen in a Portland Timbers’ uniform. The NCAA All-American defender was a first-round pick by Portland in the MLS Super Draft presented by adidas on Tuesday.

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson will bring some of the top professional soccer clubs throughout the United States to Southern Arizona as part of the 12th annual event. The preseason training and matches are part of an expanded celebration of soccer and Tucson.

FC Tucson, Tucson’s professional soccer club, is teaming with Visit Tucson and Official Community Partner, Rio Nuevo, to kick off a year-long celebration of soccer, starting with the Desert Showcase, which will bring MLS and USL teams to the region in January and February.

As part of the lead up to the 2022 Men’s World Cup in the Fall, FC Tucson will team with downtown Tucson establishments to host Watch Parties for the final six World Cup qualifying games for the U.S. Men’s National Team, including U.S. versus Mexico on March 24.

FC Tucson and its partners, along with Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo will feature a number of activations during the games around the region’s gastronomy, and highlight the chefs and restaurants that make Tucson home. The hospitality area is sponsored by Nova Home Loans Sunrise Branch, a long-time supporter and official sponsor of FC Tucson.

New for 2022, the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson has expanded to feature training and matches for several top USL Championship and USL League One clubs. Teams and additional games will be announced later this week.

The Cascadia rivalry is coming to Southern Arizona.

One of Major League Soccer’s fiercest derbies has been added as part of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson, as the Portland Timbers officially committed to the event Wednesday.

The Timbers will play Seattle Sounders FC on Jan. 26 at Kino North Stadium (7 p.m.), and will train in Tucson from Jan. 20-Feb. 5. The Timbers will replace Real Salt Lake as the Sounders’ opponent.

Due to scheduling logistics and technical considerations, Real Salt Lake has opted out of playing a preseason friendly. RSL will still come to Tucson to train from Jan. 21-Feb. 3. Fans who have purchased tickets to the RSL-Seattle matchup and the ticket package will have the option to substitute in the Portland-Seattle.

BUY TICKETS: Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers

“Not only has Portland and Seattle been one of Major League Soccer’s biggest rivalries for nearly two decades, but they’ve been a significant part of our preseason event,” said FC Tucson President Amanda Powers. “We are very fortunate to have a club the caliber of the Timbers as part of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson, and the step in to play Seattle as our kickoff game is a huge win for soccer fans in the region.”

Portland and Seattle have been regional rivals dating to their days in the old North American Soccer League, beginning in 1975, and that has carried through the various leagues the teams have been part of. It’s continued in the MLS, where the Sounders have won the championship twice (2016 and 2019) and the Timbers won in 2015. The two teams have accounted for the last seven Western Conference champions, with Portland reaching the MLS Cup this season, losing on penalty kicks to NYCFC.

The two annually play for the Cascadia Cup, named for the region that also encompasses Vancouver.

Their matchups have extended to the Arizona, where both teams have significant fanbases.

Seattle and Portland have been both frequent participants in the MLS preseason in Tucson. They’ve played each other six times, including a 1-1 draw in 2017 before more than 4,000 fans at Kino. Seattle won 2-1 in 2018 and Portland won 2-1 in 2019.

Local soccer fans will also get the first chance to see Grand Canyon University product Justin Rasmussen in a Portland Timbers’ uniform. The NCAA All-American defender was a first-round pick by Portland in the MLS Super Draft presented by adidas on Tuesday.

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson will bring some of the top professional soccer clubs throughout the United States to Southern Arizona as part of the 12th annual event. The preseason training and matches are part of an expanded celebration of soccer and Tucson.

FC Tucson, Tucson’s professional soccer club, is teaming with Visit Tucson and Official Community Partner, Rio Nuevo, to kick off a year-long celebration of soccer, starting with the Desert Showcase, which will bring MLS and USL teams to the region in January and February.

As part of the lead up to the 2022 Men’s World Cup in the Fall, FC Tucson will team with downtown Tucson establishments to host Watch Parties for the final six World Cup qualifying games for the U.S. Men’s National Team, including U.S. versus Mexico on March 24.

FC Tucson and its partners, along with Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo will feature a number of activations during the games around the region’s gastronomy, and highlight the chefs and restaurants that make Tucson home. The hospitality area is sponsored by Nova Home Loans Sunrise Branch, a long-time supporter and official sponsor of FC Tucson.

New for 2022, the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson has expanded to feature training and matches for several top USL Championship and USL League One clubs. Teams and additional games will be announced later this week.

The addition of four USL Championship clubs Thursday will make the 12th edition of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson the biggest and best event to date.

USL Championship clubs El Paso Locomotive FC, FC Tulsa, Louisville City FC and Oakland Roots were announced as part of the expanded event at Kino North Stadium.

“For more than a decade, FC Tucson has hosted top professional soccer teams across the country to train and play in Southern Arizona,” said FC Tucson President Amanda Powers. “The USL is one of the fastest growing leagues in the world and the talent level on the rosters has grown exponentially. We are proud to be part of the league and excited to have some of the top clubs in USL as part of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson. These are five premier clubs in the league, and this is a fantastic opportunity for soccer fans in the region.”

All four incoming clubs are coming off appearances in the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, and will train and play preseason events in Tucson in February. 

El Paso Locomotive FC won the Mountain Division this past season, going through its home slate undefeated at Southwest University Park in the regular season. FC Tulsa, Oklahoma’s premier pro soccer club, has advanced to the postseason in each of the past two seasons. Louisville City FC, the 2017 and ‘18 Championship title winners, won the Central Division and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final in the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. And Oakland Roots SC qualified for the playoffs in its inaugural season in the USL Championship.

Three Desert Friendly matchups will be part of the showcase:

• Wednesday, Feb. 16: Louisville City FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC, 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 20: Oakland Roots vs. FC Tulsa, 10 a.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 26: Oakland Roots vs. FC Tucson, TBD

The USL preseason matches will be held on the Kino Grandstand field and tickets will be available on a limited basis for $10.

The USL is North America’s largest professional soccer organization, and includes the USL Championship and USL League One at the professional level and pre-professional division USL League Two.

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson will bring some of the top professional soccer clubs throughout the United States to Southern Arizona as part of the 12th annual event. The preseason training and matches are part of an expanded celebration of soccer and Tucson.

FC Tucson, Tucson’s professional soccer club, is teaming with Visit Tucson and Official Community Partner, Rio Nuevo, to kick off a year-long celebration of soccer, starting with the Desert Showcase, which will bring MLS and USL teams to the region in January and February.

As part of the lead up to the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in the Fall, FC Tucson will team with downtown Tucson establishments to host Watch Parties for the final six World Cup qualifying games for the U.S. Men’s National Team, including the match versus Mexico on March 24.

Already announced are three games among the five MLS teams training and playing in Tucson starting Jan. 26.

FC Tucson and its partners, along with Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo will feature a number of activations during the games around the region’s gastronomy and highlight the chefs and restaurants that make Tucson home. The hospitality area is sponsored by Nova Home Loans Sunrise Branch, a long-time supporter and official sponsor of FC Tucson.

The addition of four USL Championship clubs Thursday will make the 12th edition of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson the biggest and best event to date.

USL Championship clubs El Paso Locomotive FC, FC Tulsa, Louisville City FC and Oakland Roots were announced as part of the expanded event at Kino North Stadium.

“For more than a decade, FC Tucson has hosted top professional soccer teams across the country to train and play in Southern Arizona,” said FC Tucson President Amanda Powers. “The USL is one of the fastest growing leagues in the world and the talent level on the rosters has grown exponentially. We are proud to be part of the league and excited to have some of the top clubs in USL as part of the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson. These are five premier clubs in the league, and this is a fantastic opportunity for soccer fans in the region.”

All four incoming clubs are coming off appearances in the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, and will train and play preseason events in Tucson in February. 

El Paso Locomotive FC won the Mountain Division this past season, going through its home slate undefeated at Southwest University Park in the regular season. FC Tulsa, Oklahoma’s premier pro soccer club, has advanced to the postseason in each of the past two seasons. Louisville City FC, the 2017 and ‘18 Championship title winners, won the Central Division and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final in the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. And Oakland Roots SC qualified for the playoffs in its inaugural season in the USL Championship.

Three Desert Friendly matchups will be part of the showcase:

• Wednesday, Feb. 16: Louisville City FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC, 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 20: Oakland Roots vs. FC Tulsa, 10 a.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 26: Oakland Roots vs. FC Tucson, TBD

The USL preseason matches will be held on the Kino Grandstand field and tickets will be available on a limited basis for $10.

The USL is North America’s largest professional soccer organization, and includes the USL Championship and USL League One at the professional level and pre-professional division USL League Two.

The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson will bring some of the top professional soccer clubs throughout the United States to Southern Arizona as part of the 12th annual event. The preseason training and matches are part of an expanded celebration of soccer and Tucson.

FC Tucson, Tucson’s professional soccer club, is teaming with Visit Tucson and Official Community Partner, Rio Nuevo, to kick off a year-long celebration of soccer, starting with the Desert Showcase, which will bring MLS and USL teams to the region in January and February.

As part of the lead up to the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in the Fall, FC Tucson will team with downtown Tucson establishments to host Watch Parties for the final six World Cup qualifying games for the U.S. Men’s National Team, including the match versus Mexico on March 24.

Already announced are three games among the five MLS teams training and playing in Tucson starting Jan. 26.

FC Tucson and its partners, along with Visit Tucson and Rio Nuevo will feature a number of activations during the games around the region’s gastronomy and highlight the chefs and restaurants that make Tucson home. The hospitality area is sponsored by Nova Home Loans Sunrise Branch, a long-time supporter and official sponsor of FC Tucson.

Assists and moving the play up the field is important for any championship winning team and bringing back the linchpin in its 2021 midfield was a top priority for FC Tucson. 

João Delgado returns to the club looking to build upon last season. 

The 27-year-old from Riachos, Portugal proved to be the linchpin in the clubs's midfield finishing the season with a 78% passing accuracy, three assists, two goals, 23 interceptions and 100 duels won. 

"João was so critical and it's good to have somebody who has good experience with myself and with the club," FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman said. "His versatility, his drive, his skillset, his confidence on the ball and he will be very hungry when he returns." 

Delgado picked up an injury agains the Richmond Kickers in the quarterfinals of the USL League One Playoffs. This will rule him out for the first few months of the 2022 season as he recovers. 

"We're happy to have him even if it will be a few months before we do," said Pearlman. "I know when we do he's going to make an immediate impact." 

Delgado joined FC Tucson ahead of the 2021 season after playing for Reading United AC of USL League Two in 2019. 

Assists and moving the play up the field is important for any championship winning team and bringing back the linchpin in its 2021 midfield was a top priority for FC Tucson. 

João Delgado returns to the club looking to build upon last season. 

The 27-year-old from Riachos, Portugal proved to be the linchpin in the clubs’s midfield finishing the season with a 78% passing accuracy, three assists, two goals, 23 interceptions and 100 duels won. 

“João was so critical and it’s good to have somebody who has good experience with myself and with the club,” FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman said. “His versatility, his drive, his skillset, his confidence on the ball and he will be very hungry when he returns.” 

Delgado picked up an injury agains the Richmond Kickers in the quarterfinals of the USL League One Playoffs. This will rule him out for the first few months of the 2022 season as he recovers. 

“We’re happy to have him even if it will be a few months before we do,” said Pearlman. “I know when we do he’s going to make an immediate impact.” 

Delgado joined FC Tucson ahead of the 2021 season after playing for Reading United AC of USL League Two in 2019. 

Assists and moving the play up the field is important for any championship winning team and bringing back the linchpin in its 2021 midfield was a top priority for FC Tucson. 

João Delgado returns to the club looking to build upon last season. 

The 27-year-old from Riachos, Portugal proved to be the linchpin in the clubs's midfield finishing the season with a 78% passing accuracy, three assists, two goals, 23 interceptions and 100 duels won. 

"João was so critical and it's good to have somebody who has good experience with myself and with the club," FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman said. "His versatility, his drive, his skillset, his confidence on the ball and he will be very hungry when he returns." 

Delgado picked up an injury agains the Richmond Kickers in the quarterfinals of the USL League One Playoffs. This will rule him out for the first few months of the 2022 season as he recovers. 

"We're happy to have him even if it will be a few months before we do," said Pearlman. "I know when we do he's going to make an immediate impact." 

Delgado joined FC Tucson ahead of the 2021 season after playing for Reading United AC of USL League Two in 2019. 

Assists and moving the play up the field is important for any championship winning team and bringing back the linchpin in its 2021 midfield was a top priority for FC Tucson. 

João Delgado returns to the club looking to build upon last season. 

The 27-year-old from Riachos, Portugal proved to be the linchpin in the clubs’s midfield finishing the season with a 78% passing accuracy, three assists, two goals, 23 interceptions and 100 duels won. 

“João was so critical and it’s good to have somebody who has good experience with myself and with the club,” FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman said. “His versatility, his drive, his skillset, his confidence on the ball and he will be very hungry when he returns.” 

Delgado picked up an injury agains the Richmond Kickers in the quarterfinals of the USL League One Playoffs. This will rule him out for the first few months of the 2022 season as he recovers. 

“We’re happy to have him even if it will be a few months before we do,” said Pearlman. “I know when we do he’s going to make an immediate impact.” 

Delgado joined FC Tucson ahead of the 2021 season after playing for Reading United AC of USL League Two in 2019.