Bay area soccer fans will be treated to some wonderful soccer this fall when Chelsea plays Club America.
Three-time English league champions Chelsea Football Club and 10-time professional era Mexican Primera League champions Club America announced the Disney Friendship Cup, as part of Chelsea’s fourth consecutive preseason tour in the U.S.
I spoke to Paul Smith the Business Affarirs Director for the soccer superpower.
He told me that Chelsea wants to expand its brand in the United States and working with the Disney Company was a great way to continue the process.
“The decision to broaden our U.S. tour to include a third match provides American fans another opportunity to witness high quality soccer between some of the greatest teams in the world. Chelsea are deeply committed to U.S. soccer at all levels and are particularly impressed with the growing fan support from the Bay Area,” said Smith. “Interest in global soccer has gained great momentum in California in recent years and we felt it important to bring the Bay Area fans something special.”
When I asked him if there might be a Chelsea USA entry in the MLS he said “I don’t think so. We do not want to have a team in the MLS because it would take away from our core business which is playing soccer in the worlds toughest league. That said I am sure that we will expand our development program that we have in LA and continue to work to make Chelsea a brand sports name in the US. We aren’t the Beatles but we are doing are part to promote the sport of soccer here.”
Scheduled for Saturday, July 14, at 6 p.m. PT at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif., the match, sponsored by The Walt Disney Company, is an opportunity for Bay Area residents to see many of the world’s best soccer stars play in their own back yard. Chelsea’s roster boasts names like England and Chelsea captain John Terry, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, Andriy Shevchenko and Peter Cech, while Club America includes favorites like Salvador Cabañas, Germán Villa, Guillermo Ochoa, José Antonio Castro and Daniel Bilos.
“We are looking forward to coming to the U.S. for the fourth year in a row and to the beginning of an exciting and challenging preseason schedule. The Premiership is the best league in the world so it’s important for Chelsea to play good teams with good players,” said Chelsea Coach José Mourinho. “Club America is playing at a very high level right now and the match will be a true test for our team as we begin preparation for the new season. We will put on a strong display and I know the public in this area are very enthusiastic about soccer. The match will be a good chance for the fans to see our current squad along with new additions to our team as they make their Chelsea debut.”
“This is an opportunity which we can’t waste,” said Club America Coach Luis Fernando Tena. “Comparing our strengths against this year Champions League semifinalist and one of the most powerful teams in the world will be an opportunity for us to transcend. On a tactical side, I will be proud to compete against José Mourinho, one of the most distinguished coaches. America versus Chelsea can be a great opportunity to show our capabilities – we will be strong contenders.”
The trip to Stanford University is a special stop during Chelsea’s U.S. visit. The Club’s tour also will include training at the University of California Los Angeles, grassroots community activities and a four-team World Series of Football Tournament featuring Chelsea, two-time MLS Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy, three-time Korean-League champion Suwon Bluewings and two-time Mexican First Division champion Tigres UNAL.
