official news release: Charleston Challenge Cup

[Parkdale]

http://www.charlestonbattery.com/news.asp?y=2009&page=1&id=429


Charleston, SC. The Charleston Battery will square off with DC United in a re-match of the 2008 U.S. Open Cup final during the 2009 Carolina Challenge Cup to be held at Blackbaud Stadium, Charleston SC, March 7 – 14. United defeated the Battery 2-1 in last year’s national championship game, the match was played at RFK Stadium in Washington DC.

DC will join two other sides from Major League Soccer, Toronto FC & Real Salt Lake plus the USL First Division’s Charleston Battery for the prestigious pre-season tournament. Toronto returns for a third consecutive tournament appearance while Real Salt Lake make a first ever visit to Blackbaud Stadium. 2009 marks the sixth consecutive year that the Charleston Battery has hosted the Carolina Challenge Cup.

[Oldtimer]

Hmmm. Possibly good time to take my vacation...

[Parkdale]

get on it!!!

there's probably about 30 of so people committed to the trip already.
Even if you just did 2 of 3 game days, you'd have a blast. Seriously... you should look into it.

[Pachuco]

Now the question is, will CBC be kind enough to stream it for us again? I'm certainly not expecting this to be on TV

[rocker]

well, charleston always streams it so I assume they'll do it on their site again.

[Parkdale]

Charleston sets up the stream, and I think CBC just relays it.

[Pachuco]

Charleston sets up the stream, and I think CBC just relays it.

amm..I'm pretty sure Nigel was there though. What good is a stream with no commentator ;)

[Lucky Strike]

Good news, it's like an annual tradition for TFC but why is it considered prestigious? There's no offence intended, I just don't get why.

[Parkdale]

amm..I'm pretty sure Nigel was there though. What good is a stream with no commentator ;)

Yep, Nigel was there. The cameras are all set up by the host, and then the audio commentary is added before it goes over the web. Poor Nigel had a hell of a job last time.


Good news, it's like an annual tradition for TFC but why is it considered prestigious? There's no offence intended, I just don't get why.


It's the biggest pre-season tourney for the MLS, plus many of the past winners went on the win the league the same year.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_Challenge_Cup


In the short history of this tournament, the champion has gone on to win one of the two year-end MLS trophies, the MLS Supporters' Shield (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MLS_Supporters%27_Shield) or MLS Cup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MLS_Cup). This streak has, however, ended in 2008 as San Jose Earthquakes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Jose_Earthquakes) failed to make the playoffs, consequently missing out on both titles.

[Oldtimer]

Here's the dates and times!!!


Toronto FC announced Thursday that the team will return to Charleston, South Carolina for their third appearance in the Carolina Challenge Cup. The 2009 edition of the tournament will once again take place at Blackbaud Stadium, on Daniel Island, SC from March 7-14, 2009 and will also feature D.C. United, Real Salt Lake and USL First Division hosts Charleston Battery. Toronto will arrive in Charleston March 6 and train in between matches before returning back home March 15.
The competition format will remain unchanged in 2009 with three match days each featuring a double-header, in a round robin format. Last year Toronto FC finished with a record of 0-2-1 in the tournament, as the San Jose Earthquakes took the title.

Tournament Schedule
(All Times local)

Saturday March 7 Toronto FC vs. Charleston Battery 7:15pm
Wednesday March 11 Toronto FC vs. D.C. United 5:00pm
Saturday March 14 Toronto FC vs. Real Salt Lake 5:00pm


http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3766699