Everything You Need to Know About The Soccer Tournament: Dates, Key Players, and Background

The Soccer Tournament 2023

Cary, North Carolina, is once again buzzing with excitement as it hosts The Soccer Tournament (TST) for the third year in a row during the summer. This year, from June 4 to June 9, soccer enthusiasts can look forward to an intense competition featuring 48 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams vying for a grand prize of $1 million across separate brackets.

Viewing Options

For fans eager to tune in, the tournament will be streamed live on ESPN+, which will showcase 27 matches, while an additional 20 games will be broadcast on ESPNU. A dedicated streaming hub will cater to both men’s and women’s matches, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the thrilling action.

History of the Tournament

In terms of history, the inaugural edition of TST in 2023 saw Newtown Pride FC emerge victorious. The following year, 2024, marked a new chapter as La Bombonera and U.S. Women claimed the championship titles, thanks to the introduction of distinct brackets for men and women.

Unique Rules

The tournament has unique rules that set it apart, including a target score time format. Instead of playing until a specific time elapses, games conclude when a team reaches a predetermined score, calculated by adding one to the leading team’s tally after the full-time whistle. Additionally, every three minutes, one player from each team is removed from the field until the target score is achieved, adding an extra layer of strategy and excitement.

Participating Teams and Players

Fans can expect to see renowned clubs like Club America, AFC Bournemouth, and Borussia Dortmund in action this year. Notable players slated to participate include men’s stars such as Sergio Agüero, Diego Godín, Andy Carroll, Nani, and Sebastian Giovinco, alongside women’s legends like Hope Solo, Ali Krieger, Carli Lloyd, Allie Long, and Heather O’Reilly.

Get Updates

For ongoing updates, scores, and the latest news regarding The Soccer Tournament, fans can visit the ESPN soccer hub page.