I will have to admit that Saturday morning’s FA Cup Championship final between four-time FA Cup champion Manchester City and first-time finalist Stoke City from England’s cathedral of soccer , Wembley Stadium did not sound to exciting.
But upon further review we have as the Brits say “A real corker of a match.” One that we can all see on Fox Soccer Channel at 10a.m.
We have the big market vs. small market showdown that we all love.
There is the wealthy elite of English soccer against a much smaller and less-known rival. While Manchester City – the 15th most valuable franchise in world soccer with its player payroll ranking among the highest in English soccer — is considered the favorite, an FA Cup final triumph would be the largest success story in Stoke City’s history.
Manchester City hopes to win its first major title since 1976, and seeks to claim its first trophy under owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who bought the club in September, 2008. OK, impressive, big money, top stars but what about Stoke City?
Well now they have history on their side being founded in 1863 and the Premier League’s oldest club, holds only one major trophy – the 1972 League Cup. Stoke City can make club history and create a moment of glory for its long-suffering fans by winning the FA Cup.
OK all you Stoke City fans good luck!
