If its winter, it must be time for soccer camps.
Here’s a run-down:
*The Galaxy’s Michael Stephens and Chivas USA’s Jorge FloresVillafaa was called into the week-long U.S. Under-23 camp scheduled to begin a week from today in Florida. The 2010 first round draft pick is one of 28 players participating. The full roster is here (and look at all those German-based players again).
An update on Jorge’s name change courtesy of Chivas USA:
“He has legally changed his last name to Villafaa. The Anaheim native made the decision to change his last name in honor of his mother who raised him as a single parent. This camp will mark the debut of Villafaa with the U-23’s as well as his new last name on his jersey.”
Which is a sweet gift at this time of year: Feliz Navidad to Senor Flores‘ Villafaa’s madre. (Thanks to a reader for the correction).
*Looking for a little vacation in February? You could head to Arizona where the Galaxy will play in the four-team FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup that begins in late February against the New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake.
A press conference announcing the tournament details was held this morning. Details will be found here (once the website is updated).
Updated 1:20 p.m.: The Galaxy provided a few details via a news release –
The Galaxy will take on the Revolution in the opening game of Desert Diamond Cup on February 22 at 5 p.m. (PT). Three days later, the club will return to action against Real Salt Lake on February 25, again at 5 p.m. (PT) before facing the New York Red Bulls on February 29 at 7 p.m. (PT). A championship match and a third place match will be held on March 3 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. (PT), respectively.
All games will be played at the Kino Sports Complex, a 155-acre multipurpose venue that includes the 11,000 seat main stadium, as well as 12 additional fields, clubhouses, and other amenities.
“The LA Galaxy are excited to participate in the 2nd annual FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup,” LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena said. “Tucson is an outstanding venue for our preseason as we prepare for the CONCACAF Champions League and the MLS regular season. We look forward to the outstanding weather, facilities and hospitality that Tucson has to offer and look forward a challenging competition.”
*Lastly, Torrance’s Shannon Boxx and Rolling Hills Estates’ Whitney Engen are among the locals participating in the U.S. Women’s National Team camp now under way at Home Depot Center. The complete roster and full details are here.
