RSL to participate in Tucson's 2013 Desert Diamond Cup

Real Salt Lake is officially continuing its participation in the Desert Diamond Cup in Tucson, Ariz. as part of the club's 2013 preseason preparations.

In a press release, RSL general manager Garth Lagerwey described RSL as "thrilled" to be involved for a second-straight year.

"We're hoping to participate in Desert Diamond Cup on a yearly basis, making Tucson - and this high-quality tournament - a regular winter destination for our fans and Utah media," Lagerwey said.

The Desert Diamond Cup final will be broadcast live during primetime on NBC Sports. The 2012 iteration of the cup was broadcast on MLSSoccer.com, and the final was won by LA Galaxy, who are as yet not participating.

With LA Galaxy out of the lineup, another RSL rival will be involved, with Seattle Sounders FC taking a spot.

With Tucson the "Western Hub" of MLS preseason, there will be further friendlies involving teams not taking part in the tournament.

The final date of the tournament is Feb. 23, which is a day later than the 2012 cup started. Whether this indicates a scheduling change coming from MLS, or if it's merely designed to better fit the schedules of involved clubs is difficult to discern at this time.

RSL defeated New York to open the 2012 tournament but fell to Los Angeles and New England, but again defeated New York in the third-place match.

Feb. 13, 2013

New England Revolution v. Seattle Sounders

New York Red Bulls v. Real Salt Lake

Feb. 16, 2013

Seattle Sounders v. Real Salt Lake

New York Red Bulls v. New England Revolution

Feb. 20, 2013

Real Salt Lake v. New England Revolution

Seattle Sounders v. New York Red Bulls

Feb. 23, 2013

MLS 3rd Place v. MLS 4th Place

MLS 1st Place v. MLS 2nd Place, 8p.m. ET (Live on NBC Sports)