Three MLS teams are heading to Charleston 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
Saturday, March 5
U18
- Chicago Fire vs. South Carolina United FC – Patriots Point – Stadium, 8:00 am
- DC United vs. North Meck SC – Patriots Point – Stadium, 10:00 am
U16
- DC United vs. North Meck SC –Patriots Point – Field 3, 8:00 am
- Chicago Fire vs. South Carolina United FC –Patriots Point – Field 3, 10:00 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, 9:00 am
- Loser game 3 vs. Loser game 4 (Consolation) Bishop England HS, 9:00 am
