Three MLS teams are heading to Charleston, S.C., for the annual Carolina Challenge Cup this week. And two clubs – the Chicago Fire and D.C. United – will be joined by their academy sides for a youth tournament.
In conjunction with the opening weekend of the top-level Cup, hosts Charleston Battery will partner South Carolina United FC to put on the first-ever edition of the Carolina Challenge Academy Cup.
Joining SC United, DC and Chicago to round out the four-team academy field is another South Carolina youth team, North Meck SC. The tournament is scheduled to run on Saturday and Sunday in the Charleston area at both the U-16 and U-18 age groups.
SC United, acting as the host of the tournament, will compete wearing the colors of the Charleston Battery, and the U-18 and U-16s finals on Sunday are going to be held at Blackbaud Stadium, site of the Carolina Challenge Cup.
After the tournament, the Fire’s academy will stay until Wednesday, March 9, to train with the first team.
2011 Carolina Challenge Academy Cup Schedule (all times ET)
Saturday, March 5
U18
Chicago Fire vs. South Carolina United FC – Patriots Point – Stadium, 8 am
D.C. United vs. North Meck SC – Patriots Point – Stadium, 10 am
U16
D.C. United vs. North Meck SC –Patriots Point – Field 3, 8 am
Chicago Fire vs. South Carolina United FC –Patriots Point – Field 3, 10 am
Sunday, March 6
U18
Winner game 1 vs. Winner game 2 (Championship) Blackbaud Stadium, 11:30 am
Loser game 1 vs. Loser game 2 (Consolation) Bishop England HS, 11:30 am
U16
Winner game 3 vs. Winner game 4 (Championship) Blackbaud Stadium, 9 am
Loser game 3 vs. Loser game 4 (Consolation) Bishop England HS, 9 am
