Sporting Kansas City will go head to head with the New England Revolution this Saturday at 8:30 p.m. CT. The match will be Sporting KC's second appearance in the Desert Diamond Cup as part of the team's preseason, presented by Children's Mercy. For the fans attending the Tucson tournament, the match will be held at the Kino Sports Complex North Stadium. For those at home looking to get their Sporting KC fix before the team's season opener on March 6, the match will be streamed live on SportingKC.com. Match updates will also be posted in real time on Twitter @SKCgameday.
The Desert Diamond Cup will continue through Feb. 27, with Sporting KC making its third appearance on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 9 p.m. CT against the Colorado Rapids. The tournament includes five MLS teams and three USL teams, including Sporting KC's USL affiliate, the Swope Park Rangers, who downed the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday 3-1.
Sporting KC made its debut in the Desert Diamond Cup with a 2-2 draw against the 2015 Eastern Conference Champion, Columbus Crew SC. All four goals in the Wednesday match came in the final 45 minutes, with Sporting KC coming from behind each time. The final equalizing goal was scored in the 88th minute by 2016 MLS SuperDraft selection Faik Hajderovic, leaving Sporting KC unbeaten during its 2016 preseason run. Find the full recap of Wednesday's game here.
The New England Revolution also played its first match in the Desert Diamond Cup to a draw, ending with a score of 3-3 against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday. The team began with a two-goal lead, then gave up three consecutive goals to Real Salt Lake before its equalizing goal in the 84th minute. Defender London Woodberry received two yellow cards during the match, resulting in a red card that will keep him out of play Saturday.
For more information on preseason events or to find Desert Diamond Cup tickets and accommodations, check out Visit Tucson.
