In just 18 days, the 2012 MLS regular season will kick off with five highly anticipated matches. Expansion sides will be pit against their Canadian brethren and defending champions will clash with what could be a primary competitor for league glory.
Before March 10 rolls around, though, MLS teams must complete their preseason preparations, paring down squads to meet roster requirements and putting the final tactical, technical and physical touches on the teams that will take the field for First Kick.
During the next two weeks, MLSsoccer.com will bring you all the action live from both the Desert Diamond Cup and Disney Pro Soccer Classic, as well as comprehensive coverage from the Carolina Challenge Cup and Portland Timbers Tournament.
COMPLETE PRESEASON MATCH SCHEDULE
All in all, 19 games will be streamed live from Feb. 22 through March 3 in Arizona and Florida, starting on Wednesday with the Desert Diamond Cup opening matches between New England and LA (8 pm ET), and New York and RSL (10 pm ET).
Two days later, the Disney Pro Soccer Classic gets underway with matches between Montreal and Vancouver, a preview of First Kick, and Houston and Kansas City, a rematch of the 2011 Eastern Conference Championship, while the remainder of each tournament will be streamed as 10 MLS sides go through the motions live before the games actually count. The consolation game and final of the Disney Pro Soccer Classic will air on ESPN3.
Check MLSsoccer.com each day for preseason news from all 19 teams and watch all the action on the field from Arizona and Florida.
