MLS Next Pro Hosts Premier League 2 Clubs in Utah Invitational

MLS Next Pro has announced its first international competition, the inaugural MLS Next Pro Invitational, taking place from July 19–27 at both Real Salt Lake’s Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, and Real Monarchs’ Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah.

Participating will be the hometown Real Monarchs, Colorado Rapids 2 and Toronto FC II against Chelsea FC Under-21s and Wolves Under-21s from England’s Premier League 2 competition.

“International competition is a priority for our league. There are a lot of benefits, both on and off the field, that we are excited about,” said Ali Curtis, senior vice president of competition and operations, MLS Next Pro. “This year is the start to a competition that we hope to grow in the years ahead. We look forward to welcoming both Chelsea and Wolves to the U.S. and appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with Premier League 2.”

The full schedule is below. The league with the most total points accumulated in head-to-head competition will be crowned Invitational Champion.

• July 19: Real Monarchs vs Chelsea FC Under-21s (Rio Tinto Stadium, 7:30 p.m. MT)
• July 21: Chelsea FC Under-21s vs. Wolves Under-21s (Zions Bank Stadium, 8:15 p.m. MT)
• July 23: Real Monarchs vs. Wolves Under-21s (Zions Bank Stadium, 6:30 p.m. MT); Toronto FC II vs. Chelsea FC Under-21s (Zions Bank Stadium, 8:45 p.m. MT)
• July 27: Colorado Rapids 2 vs. Wolves Under-21s (Zions Bank Stadium, 8:00 p.m. MT)

“The Summer of Soccer in Utah continues with this unique, unprecedented event,” said Real Salt Lake President John Kimball. “We could not be prouder to provide this opportunity for our fans, as well as the participant leagues and clubs.”