Expansion

FC Cincinnati, Chicago Fire to play in 2019 Carolina Challenge Cup

FC Cincinnati - team stands before game

Teams are beginning to make preparations for the 2019 MLS preseason, and with it comes news of a familiar preseason tournament.


2019 MLS expansion side FC Cincinnati and the Chicago Fire each announced on Thursday they will be playing in the 2019 Carolina Challenge Cup, held in Charleston, South Carolina at USL Championship club Charleston Battery's home.


Tournament play will take place in February, with doubleheaders on Feb. 16, 20 and 23 at MUSC Health Stadium in Charleston. In addition to Cincinnati, Chicago and Charleston, a fourth team, an MLS club to be named at a later date, will participate in the tournament, with 2019's edition the 15th held all-time.


Schedule:

  • Feb: 16: Chicago Fire vs. TBA; Charleston Battery vs. FC Cincinnati
  • Feb. 20: Chicago Fire vs. FC Cincinnati; Charleston Battery vs. TBA
  • Feb. 23: Charleston Battery vs. Chicago Fire; FC Cincinnati vs. TBA