MAJORS CUP: 2012 Preview

Following the BSL Playoffs, 4 of the BSL's best clubs from 2012 will complete against the 4 MLS champions from 2011, in the 4th annual Majors Cup tournament. So far the BSL has won the tournament twice and the MLS once. So what is in store for this years Majors Cup?
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GROUP A
GATEWAY UNITED - The #1 seed from the BSL is making its 2nd trip to the tourney and first since 2009. The Saints boast the leagues best offense. All-Time Majors Cup record: 3-2-0
HOUSTON DYNAMO- This is the first time the Dynamo will be in the Majors Cup qualifying by being the MLS Cup runner-up after the Galaxy won both the Supporter Shield and the MLS Cup in 2011. Houston is the #1 seed representing the MLS and is the only club to have no Majors Cup history playing this year. All-Time Majors Cup record: 0-0-0
PENNSYLVANIA STONERS - The BSL's 4th seed is returning to the tourney for the second year in a row and will look to advance out of the group stage this time. All-Time Majors Cup record: 1-2-0

TORONTO FC - This is the third straight year the Reds will be representing MLS Canada in the Majors Cup. Toronto has never advanced out of the group stage and is once again the 4th seed for the MLS. The club has been capable of surprises and should not be taken lightly even though Toronto is once again at the bottom of the MLS standings. Toronto has already qualified for the 2013 Majors Cup as well winning the Canadian Championship in 2012. All-Time Majors Cup record: 1-4-1

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GROUP B
CAPITAL DISTRICT GUNNERS- The defending Majors Cup Champions had a tremendous MCQ and wound up the BSL's 2nd seed. This is the third time the Gunners will compete in the Majors Cup (more than any BSL club to date) and the Gunners have the most Majors Cup win for a BSL club with 5.  All-Time Majors Cup record: 5-3-1
SEATTLE SOUNDERS - The winningest club in the Majors Cup (7 wins) is from the MLS. The Sounders are making a third straight trip to the tourney and have been the runner-up 2 years in a row. It took overtime to defeat the Sounders last year in the Final. All-Time Majors Cup record: 7-3-0
LOS ANGELES GALAXY - The Galaxy are also making their third trip to the tourney. L.A. advanced to the Semi-Final round last year and appears to have a good chance at winning this year with its high profile offense. All-Time Majors Cup record: 4-3-0
ALAMO CITY BATTLE - After a 2 year absence, Alamo City returns to the Majors Cup. The club should hold its own in a group full of high powered offenses. All-Time Majors Cup record: 1-2-0
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GROUP STAGE SCHEDULE
Game 1: Gateway United vs Toronto FC / Pennsylvania vs Houston / CD Gunners vs Alamo City/ Seattle vs LA Galaxy. Game 2: Gateway United vs Pennsylvania  / Houston vs Toronto / CD Gunners vs LA Galaxy / Seattle vs Alamo City. Game 3: Houston vs Gateway United / Toronto FC vs Pennsylvania / Seattle vs CD Gunners / Alamo City vs LA Galaxy.