The re-launch of the MLS Reserve League will provide essential developmental opportunities to players.
NEW YORK - Major League Soccer is re-launching its Reserve League this year, with games beginning this weekend. The MLS Reserve League will provide essential developmental opportunities to players and is made possible by the growth of first team rosters from 24 in 2010 to 30 players in 2011. MLS clubs previously fielded reserve sides from 2005 through 2008, benefiting players such as 2010 Budweiser Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski (San Jose), Omar Cummings, Jeff Larentowicz, and Kosuke Kimura of the defending MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids, and many others.
The new MLS Reserve League will be split into East, Central, and West divisions with teams facing each divisional opponent twice for a total of 10 games per team. Clubs may schedule additional games for their reserve squads against non-MLS opponents. The games featuring two MLS reserve teams begin March 20and conclude October 16.
Seattle Sounders FC will play its first Reserve League game at San Jose on April 3. Seattle is scheduled to play five home matches at Starfire Stadium. The first home date is May 9 against Chivas USA. Sounders FC will also host the Portland Timbers (May 15), Vancouver Whitecaps FC (June 7), L.A. Galaxy (June 13) and the San Jose Earthquakes (October 11).
The full MLS Reserve League is below. Media members are encouraged to contact the home club's PR department prior to attending any MLS Reserve League match.
| Date | Home Team | Away Team | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Apr | San Jose Earthquakes | Seattle Sounders FC | 11:00 AM | TBD |
| 10-Apr | Chivas USA | Seattle Sounders FC | 11:00 AM | Home Depot Center |
| 9-May | Seattle Sounders FC | Chivas USA | 7:00 PM | Starfire Complex |
| 15-May | Seattle Sounders FC | Portland Timbers | 1:00 PM | Starfire Complex |
| 30-May | Portland Timbers | Seattle Sounders FC | 2:00 PM | JELD-WEN Field |
| 7-Jun | Seattle Sounders FC | Vancouver Whitecaps | 7:00 PM | Starfire Complex |
| 13-Jun | Seattle Sounders FC | Los Angeles Galaxy | 10:00 AM | Starfire Complex |
| 5-July | Los Angeles Galaxy | Seattle Sounders FC | 11:00 AM | LA Galaxy Practice Field |
| 9-Aug | Vancouver Whitecaps | Seattle Sounders FC | 2:00 PM | TBD |
| 11-Oct | Seattle Sounders FC | San Jose Earthquakes | 7:00 PM | Starfire Complex |
