Audi Field today announced that the 20,000-seat venue located in downtown Washington, D.C. will play host to a new annual international soccer tournament, the Capital Cup. The competition will have matches in the evening on July 7, 11, and 14 and feature prominent teams from around the globe, including four-time Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup champions, D.C. United. A full schedule and access to tickets for the inaugural Capital Cup will be released shortly.
The most decorated club in Major League Soccer history will welcome Alianza FC from the Primera División in El Salvador and Club Puebla from Liga MX. All clubs will face each opposition over the course of a week with every match taking place at Audi Field, home of D.C. United. The team with the most points at the conclusion of the tournament will be crowned the first-ever Capital Cup Champions.
“The Capital Cup marries the most popular sport in the world with one of the most diverse and recognized global capitals, Washington, D.C.,” said Jason Levien, Co-Chairman and CEO of D.C. United. “We look forward to welcoming high-caliber clubs from across the globe to compete and entertain our fanbase and the diverse, multicultural community that lives and works in the DC-area. This annual summer tournament is a testament to the vision we had when we built Audi Field.”
Information on the three teams confirmed to compete in the first edition of the Capital Cup follows. Notably, as the tournament evolves various international clubs will participate and no individual club is expected to be a permanent fixture in the format.
- D.C. United: D.C. United are the most decorated club in the United States with 13 domestic and international trophies. The Black-and-Red have won the MLS Cup four times (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004), the Supporters’ Shield four times (1997, 1999, 2006 and 2007) and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup three times (1996, 2008 and 2013).
- Alianza FC: Based in San Salvador, El Salvador, Alianza was founded in 1958 and have a storied history. The capital city club have won 15 Primera División titles and one Copa Presidente. Alianza FC was also the first Salvadoran team to win the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup, a feat they accomplished in 1967.
- Club Puebla: Popularly known as 'La Franja', Club Puebla celebrates more than 75 years of history with a record of 12 national and international championships and being one of only five 'Campeonísimos' of Mexico. 'La Franja' has been Liga MX champion two times (1983 and 1990), Copa MX five times (1944, 1952, 1987, 1989 and 2015), Ascenso MX twice (2005 and 2006), and the CONCACAF Champions League once (1991). D.C. United played their first fixture in club history against Club Puebla on Sept. 4, 2019, and the teams fought to a 1-1 draw at Audi Field in the friendly match.
For a comprehensive list of matchday guidelines, as well as the Audi Field Fan Code of Conduct stadium visit:
www.dcunited.com/matchday
.
