WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today the club's 2006 preseason training schedule. Official preseason begins Monday, January 30, when the team gathers for meetings and physical examinations. D.C. United's first practice is scheduled for Tuesday, January 31 at RFK Stadium. The Black-and-Red will travel to IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, either Madrid, Spain or Guadalajara, Mexico, and Charleston, South Carolina as a part of their pre-season training schedule. The four-time MLS Cup champions will open the 2006 season on Sunday, April 2 against the MetroStars. Kick-off is set for 5:00 p.m. ET.
"We are ready to begin preparations for the 2006 season," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "Our players have worked hard during the off-season to stay fit and our injured players have made great progress to full recovery. We are especially excited to begin pre-season this year with the majority of our roster still in tact from last season and, with the addition of our 2006 draftees, we are looking forward to a competitive camp."
D.C. United will play a host of games prior to their MLS opener. The club will face the U.S. U-17 National Team (2/11), the MetroStars (2/14), Real Salt Lake (2/17) and Kansas City (2/21) in Florida. The club will also face the MetroStars (3/18), Houston 1836 (3/22) and the Charleston Battery (3/25) as a part of the Carolina Challenge Cup. Additional games will likely be scheduled as a part of United's pending international trip.
Full season, half season, flex ticket plans and group purchases are now available through the D.C. United office at 202-587-5000. Supporters may also sign up for United's eNews updates, the Coaches Association or Youth Fan Club on the team's official website, www.dcunited.com
.
Details of D.C. United's preseason schedule are listed below, though the schedule is subject to change. Members of the media planning to attend a preseason practice or game should contact the D.C. United communications staff in advance.
2006 Preseason Schedule (All Times ET, subject to change)
Monday, January 30: Meetings and physical examinations
Tuesday, January 31 to Tuesday, February 7: Training in Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, February 8 to Wednesday, February 22: Training in Bradenton, FL
Saturday, February 11: Exhibition Match versus U.S. U-17 National Team (10:00 a.m.)
Tuesday, February 14: Exhibition Match versus MetroStars (10:00 a.m.)
Friday, February 17: Exhibition Match versus Real Salt Lake (10:00 a.m.)
Tuesday, February 21: Exhibition Match versus Kansas City (10:00 a.m.)
Wednesday, February 22: Return to Washington, D.C.
Thursday, February 23 to Saturday, February 25: Training in Washington, D.C.
Sunday, February 26 to Friday, March 10: International Training
Saturday, March 11 to Wednesday, March 15: Training in Washington, D.C.
Thursday, March 16 to Sunday, March 26: Training in Charleston, S.C.
March 18: Charleston Challenge Cup Match versus the MetroStars (8:15 p.m.)
March 22: Charleston Challenge Cup Match versus Houston 1836 (8:15 p.m.)
March 25: Charleston Challenge Cup Match versus the Charleston Battery (8:15 p.m.)
Monday, March 27 to Saturday, April 1: Traning in Washington, D.C.
Sunday, April 2: MLS Season Opener vs. the Metrostars (5:00 p.m.)
