MLS Phoenix Rising

MLS’s 24th

// June 26th, 2015 // No Comments » // Major League Soccer

With MLS’s plans to expand to 24 teams, cities are hustling for the final spot. Atlanta United, LAFC and Minnesota have already been awarded franchises.
At one time it was a foregone conclusion that Miami was going to make the show with David Beckham’s group ready to make a go in South Florida. But difficulties in finding an acceptable location has put a damper on that move.
That being said, Sacramento and St. Louis have made moves to be the 24th club. St. Louis has long been a hotbed of soccer in the US, while Sacramento are drawing phenomenal numbers in USL-Pro, leading the league in attendance by a far margin(11,233).
Now Drew Epperly of WV Hooligan is reporting that the new Charlotte USL-Pro team is throwing its hat in the ring to make the jump to MLS.

Major League Soccer Preseason Training

// February 22nd, 2012 // No Comments » // Local Stars, Major League Soccer, Pro Soccer in Phoenix

We know it pales in comparison to having our own MLS team but … Arizona soccer fans are truly fortunate to be able to see several MLS teams “up close and personal” while they take advantage of our gorgeous weather and excellent training facilities to prepare for the 2012 MLS Season. We were able to catch the scrimmage between DC United and Sporting Kansas City at Grande Sports World in Casa Grande on February 11. (Check out our photos on Flickr!) Real Salt Lake and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC were also using the training fields at the same time. It was a fun opportunity to see several old and new, famous and not-so-famous players in a very open and relaxed atmosphere. We also got to check out Phoenix native Nick DeLeon — DC United’s pick in this year’s SuperDraft—and newly acquired DC United player Danny Cruz from Glendale, AZ.

So far this year, MLS teams have practiced at Reach 11 in Phoenix, Grande Sports World in Casa Grande, and in Tucson. We hope you’ve been able to catch some of the action. If not, you still have time! The Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, New England Revolution, and Real Salt Lake are here for the Desert Diamond Cup at Kino Stadium in Tucson (Feb. 22-March 3 – info below) and the Red Bulls vs. Pumas UNAM Reto del Sol match at Chase Field in Phoenix on Feb. 23 (info below).

Take advantage of the opportunity and get out and catch some live MLS soccer!

Road Trip to the Final of the Desert Diamond Cup in Tucson

// February 22nd, 2012 // No Comments » // Major League Soccer, MLSPR

Want to see four MLS teams in action in competitive preseason matches, tailgate, and support a fellow group of dedicated AZ soccer fans? Join other MLS PHOENIX RISING supporters and friends at the Finals of the DESERT DIAMOND CUP on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at 6 pm (third place) and 8 pm (Cup Final) at Kino Stadium in Tucson.
HURRY TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST!!!

The LA Galaxy, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, and Real Salt Lake will participate in the 2012 DESERT DIAMOND CUP – a round robin tournament that takes place in Tucson from February 22 to March 3, 2012. Here’s the full tournament schedule:

Wednesday, February 22, 2012
6:00PM – NE Revolution vs. LA Galaxy
8:00PM – NY Red Bulls vs. Real Salt Lake

Saturday, February 25, 2012
6:00PM – LA Galaxy vs, Real Salt Lake
8:00PM – NY Red Bulls vs. NE Revolution

Wednesday, February 29, 2012
6:00PM – Real Salt Lake vs. NE Revolution
8:00PM – LA Galaxy vs. NY Red Bulls

SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 – FINALS
6:00PM – No. 3 vs. No. 4
8:00PM – No. 1 vs. No. 2

The Cactus Pricks, the official independent Supporters’ Group for FC TUCSON (USL PDL), has several different packages available for the DESERT DIAMOND CUP.

Let’s head down for the final matches on Saturday, March 3! Buy the full match day package for $55 and you can enjoy the matches and tailgate, take home a commemorative scarf, and support The Cactus Pricks OR you can just purchase a ticket and tailgate pass:

March 3 Full Package – $55
– A ticket in the Supporters Section for both March 3 Finals matches
– A pass for entry into the official tailgate (food, drinks (beer and soda), and music provided)
– A 2012 Cactus Pricks Annual Membership
– A Cactus Pricks Desert Cup scarf

March 3 Ticket and Tailgate Only – $30
– A single ticket in the Supporters Section and a tailgate pass

Note: The Supporters Section is General Admission. Expect an atmosphere similar to the American Outlaws section at USMNT matches.

The following items can also be purchased from The Cactus Pricks –
• Ticket in Supporter’s Section for the other DDC matches – $25
• Cactus Pricks scarf – $25
• Cactus Pricks Annual Membership – $15

For more information and to purchase tickets for March 3 or any of the other tournament dates, visit The Cactus Pricks website at http://cactuspricks.com. Tickets are also available online thru FC Tucson’s website.

If you are interested in overnight lodging for the night of March 3rd, let us know. If enough people express interest, we will look into getting a discount hotel rate. MLSPR supporters who are heading down to any of the other Desert Diamond Cup matches are invited to use our Facebook page to coordinate transportation, meet ups, etc.

An Opportunity to Support MLS (and MFL) in Downtown Phoenix

// February 22nd, 2012 // No Comments » // Major League Soccer, MLSPR, Pro Soccer in Phoenix

MLS PHOENIX RISING supporters and friends have a chance to demonstrate this area’s strong support for professional soccer when the NEW YORK RED BULLS of Major League Soccer (MLS) take on PUMAS UNAM of the Mexican Football League (MFL) in the RED BULL CHALLENGE OF THE SUN (“Reto Del Sol”) on Thursday, February 23, 2012, at 8:00 pm at Chase Field in Phoenix. Ticket prices start at $20 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the gate.

Let’s show up in force and show MLS officials that Arizona fans deserve our own first division professional soccer team!

Real Madrid’s “Galacticos” Coming to Rose Bowl August 7

// July 17th, 2010 // No Comments » // International, Major League Soccer

* UPDATED 07/18 – Arizona soccer fans have another opportunity to see one of the Spain’s storied teams and 2009/10 La Liga runner-up Real Madrid C.F. just a few hours’ drive away. The stars of Real Madrid will take on the 2009 MLS Cup runner-up L.A. Galaxy in an exhibition match in the Rose Bowl on Saturday, August 7, 2010, at 7:30 p.m.

Single match tickets are on sale NOW! MLS Phoenix Rising members can purchase individual tickets at the group rates (no minimum order) by contacting Dan Cerwinske and identifying themselves as members of MLS Phoenix Rising. Also, if Phoenix fans are interested in tickets in one of the general admission supporters’ sections, the LA Riot Squad will be located above tunnel 28 A and the Angel City Brigade will be above tunnel 23A. Real Madrid supporters are in sections 8 H and L. Tickets in the ACB or Riot Squad sections are only $35.

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Fourth of July Weekend Roadtrip

// July 2nd, 2010 // No Comments » // Major League Soccer, MLSPR

If you are still looking for something fun to do this holiday weekend, please remember the roadtrip to see both Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy. It is not too late. To RSVP or if you have questions, shoot an email to sp-events@mlsphoenixrising.com. Tickets – order directly from the club, multiple seating/price options available.
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