Post by bigdawgs on Mar 24, 2009 20:59:47 GMT -5
For the one or two of you who are into the World's game. It is probably going to look like lil Mexico City at the Dome.
Top international soccer clubs to play at Ga. Dome
Italy’s AC Milan, Mexico’s Club America to play preseason match in Atlanta July 22
By PETER COX
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A city known for its love of football is about to become an international futbol city.
Atlanta will host Italy’s AC Milan and Mexico’s Club America — two of the world’s most prominent soccer clubs — for a preseason match on July 22 at the Georgia Dome.
In addition, the Mexican national team will play a yet-to-be-announced opponent at the Dome on June 24 if a contract can be worked out, according to MLS vice president Dan Courtemanche. The game will be tune-up for the Gold Cup, which begins later that week.
Milan and Club America are among four teams competing in the first World Football Challenge; a six-city round-robin tournament.
“These are huge teams,” said Club America’s president Michel Bauer. “They are well known throughout the world.”
The two clubs bring some of the best-known international players to Atlanta.
Milan’s roster includes three winners of the Ballon d’Or — the trophy for European soccer player of the year — Brazil’s Ronaldinho and Kaka, and Ukraine’s Andriy Shevchenko. Currently, Milan has David Beckham on loan from the L.A. Galaxy, though he’ll be back playing for Major League Soccer a few weeks before the Atlanta match.
“AC Milan is one of the most prominent clubs in the world, and is the most successful club in terms of international trophies,” said Umberto Gandini, director of AC Milan.
But while Milan brings high power names, Club America is likely to bring out more fans.
“Whenever we come to the States, there are a lot of fans going to the games supporting our team,” said Michel Bauer, president of Club America.
The growing Latino population in Atlanta was one attraction for the team, Bauer said.
“In Atlanta, we do have a lot of Club America fans, but it’s not a place we often go like California and Texas,” he said. The team includes standouts from the Mexico national team, including Guillermo Ochoa and Pavel Pardo, as well as Paraguay’s Enrique Vera and Salvador Cabanas.
Though both teams play almost all games outdoors, neither club seems worried about playing in a dome.
“We should start playing indoors in different stadiums,” Bauer said. “Obviously, the world is changing, and the fields are changing. It will be a good experience to play indoors.”
England’s Chelsea F.C. and Italy’s FC Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan) will also be competing. Games will be played in Texas, California, Maryland and Massachusetts.
Mexico will likely bring its “A” team of players to Atlanta, including Rafael Marquez of FC Barcelona, Carlos Vela of Arsenal and Carlos Salcido of PSV Eindhoven.
Tickets for AC Milan-Club America can be purchased at www.worldfootballchallenge.com.
Tickets for the Mexican national team’s game will go on sale in May.
Top international soccer clubs to play at Ga. Dome
Italy’s AC Milan, Mexico’s Club America to play preseason match in Atlanta July 22
By PETER COX
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A city known for its love of football is about to become an international futbol city.
Atlanta will host Italy’s AC Milan and Mexico’s Club America — two of the world’s most prominent soccer clubs — for a preseason match on July 22 at the Georgia Dome.
In addition, the Mexican national team will play a yet-to-be-announced opponent at the Dome on June 24 if a contract can be worked out, according to MLS vice president Dan Courtemanche. The game will be tune-up for the Gold Cup, which begins later that week.
Milan and Club America are among four teams competing in the first World Football Challenge; a six-city round-robin tournament.
“These are huge teams,” said Club America’s president Michel Bauer. “They are well known throughout the world.”
The two clubs bring some of the best-known international players to Atlanta.
Milan’s roster includes three winners of the Ballon d’Or — the trophy for European soccer player of the year — Brazil’s Ronaldinho and Kaka, and Ukraine’s Andriy Shevchenko. Currently, Milan has David Beckham on loan from the L.A. Galaxy, though he’ll be back playing for Major League Soccer a few weeks before the Atlanta match.
“AC Milan is one of the most prominent clubs in the world, and is the most successful club in terms of international trophies,” said Umberto Gandini, director of AC Milan.
But while Milan brings high power names, Club America is likely to bring out more fans.
“Whenever we come to the States, there are a lot of fans going to the games supporting our team,” said Michel Bauer, president of Club America.
The growing Latino population in Atlanta was one attraction for the team, Bauer said.
“In Atlanta, we do have a lot of Club America fans, but it’s not a place we often go like California and Texas,” he said. The team includes standouts from the Mexico national team, including Guillermo Ochoa and Pavel Pardo, as well as Paraguay’s Enrique Vera and Salvador Cabanas.
Though both teams play almost all games outdoors, neither club seems worried about playing in a dome.
“We should start playing indoors in different stadiums,” Bauer said. “Obviously, the world is changing, and the fields are changing. It will be a good experience to play indoors.”
England’s Chelsea F.C. and Italy’s FC Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan) will also be competing. Games will be played in Texas, California, Maryland and Massachusetts.
Mexico will likely bring its “A” team of players to Atlanta, including Rafael Marquez of FC Barcelona, Carlos Vela of Arsenal and Carlos Salcido of PSV Eindhoven.
Tickets for AC Milan-Club America can be purchased at www.worldfootballchallenge.com.
Tickets for the Mexican national team’s game will go on sale in May.