The second annual Coachella Valley Invitational, a Major League Soccer preseason exhibition, is set to begin Sunday, Jan. 29, and continue through Saturday, Feb. 18.
As many as 13 Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs will be competing in a total of 19 matches over the course of the invitational, which the Empire Polo Club will host for the first time. Passes are on sale now at Coachella Valley Invitational.
“The LA Galaxy are excited to train and compete in the 2023 Coachella Valley Invitational. It is important for our team to play quality opposition in preparation for 2023 MLS season," Head Coach Greg Vanney said, according to the LA Galaxy website. "We are looking forward to returning to this great event for a second consecutive year and welcoming our fans at Empire Polo Club for the first time.”
LA Galaxy is a local favorite, which announced its plans to compete in the invitational back in November.
Adding to the excitement over preseason soccer action is the venue itself, given the iconic status of Empire Polo Club in Greater Palm Springs and its reputation for hosting major events, such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival.
Although this is preseason, Coachella Valley Invitational games are a good indicator of how the season itself will play out. This three-week event is viewed as the unofficial start of the 2023 MLS season and helps determine roster spots, as well as build momentum.
Besides LA Galaxy, the following top teams are joining the action: Charlotte Football Club (FC), D.C. United, LAFC, Minnesota United FC, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes, San Diego Loyal FC, St. Louis City SC, Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
The first day of the competition will showcase two matches, with the first starting at 11 a.m. between D.C. United and Charlotte FC, and the second kicking off at 1 p.m. between the Vancouver Whitecaps and D.C. United. A full match schedule can be found on the event’s official website.
The team also plans to host a Youth Development Camp for players ages 6 to 14 at the invitational on Feb. 10 to 12. According to the club, the camp is curated for players of beginner and intermediate skill levels. It will “challenge the player’s skills in an exciting environment, while also providing an exclusive experience throughout the weekend.”
Players who are interested in participating in the LA Galaxy Youth Development Camp can find more information for registration at LA Galaxy's website.