Minnesota United begins its second preseason as a Major League Soccer franchise on Jan. 22 and will spend a week training in Florida before heading to South Carolina for three matches in the Carolina Cup Challenge.

The club said Friday that it will spend a week training inside in Minnesota before heading to Orlando. The Florida trip includes friendlies on Feb. 3 with Florida International University and Feb. 7 against Jacksonville Armdaa. Both matches will begin at 1 p.m. at Eastern Florida State College.

After a brief return to Minnesota, the Loons will continue their preseason in Charleston and compete in the 14-year-old tournament. Matches are set for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 aginst the Charleston Battery, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 against Atlanta United and 4 p.m. Feb. 24 against Columbus Crew.

The team said potential broadcast information for preseason matches will be released later.

The team opens regular season play on March 3 at San Jose. The Loons home opener is March 17 against the Chicago Fire at TCF Bank Stadium.

PAUL KLAUDA