For the second straight year, the MLS all-stars will play Manchester United in the MLS All-Star game, this time in front of 25,000 at Red Bull Arena outside New York on July 27 (ESPN2, 8:30).
Last summer, the MLS all-stars lost in regulation for the first time in seven matches (in 2009, Everton won in penalties) in the format that pits an MLS best XI of sorts against an international side on a preseason tour of North America. The 5-2 defeat took place in front of a massive crowd of more than 70,000 at Reliant Stadium in Houston.
Things will be much more intimate at Red Bull Arena, but the drawing power in terms of a television audience will be just as high. Let’s face it, it doesn’t get any bigger than Manchester United, and ticket resale prices will also be good evidence. But is this a rematch? If the league says so.
Meanwhile, multiple reports have Manchester United traveling to D.C. to meet Barcelona at FedEx on July 30.
