Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The 2011 Carolina Challenge Cup

The Charleston Battery facebook page hinted that "an exciting announcement" about the 2011 Carolina Challenge Cup should be out by the end of this week.   If it is the announcement of the teams involved it would make it the earliest the week long tournament has been announced, allowing more time for visiting supporters to schedule and plan for a great week of soccer.

 If the timing is consistent with past Carolina Challenge Cups with the the tourney finishing the weekend prior to MLS's season kickoff on March 19, the CCC should be the week of March 5 to March 12.

So who might the Battery face during the 8th year of this fantastic preseason tournament?  Historically, the winner of the tourney gets a return invite.  DC United won the 2010 CCC but we haven't heard anything about the team's preseason commitments for 2011. 

The only two teams that look like they have conflicting schedules are Real Salt Lake and the Columbus Crew, both which are competing in the CONCACAF Champion's League Quarterfinals on March 3 and 17.
So perhaps a better question would be is; who would the fans want to see?

There are two new expansion teams for MLS in 2011, both teams that Battery competed against in USL1, the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Portland Timbers.  The Seattle Sounders also fit that bill and have former Battery standout, Osolvo Alsono on their roster.

The Red Bulls would bring with them a couple well known players in Thierry Henry and Juan Pablo Angel.

Maybe a rematch of the 2004 and 2010 US Open Cup opponents, the Chicago Fire?

The LA Galaxy with US Men's National team star, Landon Donovan and David Beckham have to be outside bets as I understand they typically require large amounts of money for appearance fees.


Outside of the actual matches, expect some supporter socializing after a long off-season with The Regiment hosting some great tailgates and what will be the third annual Happy Hooligan's pub crawl.

Regardless, it should be a great time with the chance to see some great soccer at the 'Baud and look to No Quarter to bring you a run down once the teams are announced!

3 comments:

Matches Malone said...

I'm hoping for RSL!

Unknown said...

wonder if New York has a high appearance fee, now that they have Henry and Marquez on their roster.

Mikey said...

with RSL in the CCL I dont think they will make it this year. The First leg of the Quarterfinals is Mar 3 to 5th and the second leg is Mar 15 to 17.