Early Tuesday morning at Trump Soho in New York, the 2015 International Champions Cup schedule was revealed to the world. In the reveal it was announced that the LA Galaxy will be taking on Mexican power Club América and Spanish giants FC Barcelona this summer. The LA Galaxy will take on Club América on Saturday, July 11 at 8:30 PM at StubHub Center. The second match for the LA Galaxy in the International Champions Cup will be on Tuesday, July 21 at 8:00 PM at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena against FC Barcelona.
It has been a custom since Beckham arrived that the LA Galaxy host these friendlies in the summer. “Southern California is the perfect location to host multiple soccer matches,” Charlie Stillitano, chairman of tournament organizer Relevent Sports, said in a statement, “We are thrilled to bring both Club América and Barcelona and their rabid fan bases to Los Angeles. The reigning MLS Cup winners facing the best teams in Mexico and Spain will provide electric soccer in front of an engaged and raucous crowd.”
“Southern California is the perfect location to host multiple soccer matches,”
The first opponent for the Galaxy will be Club América, the 2015 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League Champions. They will definitely be a good test for the Galaxy heading into this years’ 2015-2016 CONCACAF Champions League, where they will play good Central American as well as Mexican clubs. América currently in 7th place, but only 3 points away from 1st place, have a core of good players in Oribe Peralta, Darío Benedetto, Paul Aguilar, Darwin Quintero, and USMNT defender Ventura Alvarado, to name a few. The game against América will possibly be the debut for Steven Gerrard in a LA Galaxy jersey as well. That in itself will be a big people grab to go to this match. Similar to how David Beckham debuted for the LA Galaxy against Chelsea, this match will be at StubHub Center in front of the LA Galaxy faithful at home. “Sometimes they’re a nuisance, other times they’re productive,” Arena said about the international exhibitions. “This time around it will be good for us. It gives [Gerrard] an opportunity to get on the field with us. That in itself is a positive.” From what Bruce is saying, it looks like he is very excited as well for the friendlies.
“This time around it will be good for us. It gives [Gerrard] an opportunity to get on the field with us.
The game against América in included in the Galaxy Season Ticket Holder plans as a bonus game, with additional tickets for the game on presale on May 4th, and on sale for the general public on May 7th.
The second opponent and definitely the bigger one for the Galaxy will be FC Barcelona. This match will take place on a Tuesday(the traffic might be horrific) at The Rose Bowl. FC Barcelona’s lineup possesses the best players in the world and the best of them all, Lionel Messi. The list goes on of stars that Barcelona has in Messi, Neymar, Suarez, Iniesta, Xavi, Pique, to name a few. The question will be for Barcelona is if they will be bringing in their South American talent due to Copa America ending on July 4th. After a long season and Copa America with their countries, there is a big question as to if they will be given a break. Will be interesting to see what the travel roster for Barcelona looks like for the International Champions Cup
Tickets for the match against FC Barcelona will also go on sale in the coming weeks.
My take on these two friendlies is that for the LA Galaxy these matches fit right into their plans for the MLS regular season as well as their other obligations. According to LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena, “I think it’s great,” he said. “And it’s going to fit into our schedule, which is not always the case.” The first game for the Galaxy of the International Champions Cup will be on the 11th of July, a week after the match with Toronto FC on the 4th of July at home, which gives the Galaxy a good preparation for América and the welcoming of Steven Gerrard. I honestly think this match with América you will see the “A” team play most of the match as there next game after this is Friday July 17th vs San Jose Earthquakes, also at home, as well as the expected MLS Debut of Steven Gerrard. Then after that match is when it gets tricky, as the Galaxy will play 3 games in 9 days, with the Barcelona game on Tuesday, July 21st and an away MLS game against Houston on June 25. It should definitely be a fun stretch of matches and a time to see the Galaxy test their talent against other teams in the world.
“I think it’s great,” he said. “And it’s going to fit into our schedule, which is not always the case.”
Another summer of soccer in LA and the LA Galaxy are at the forefront of it all with matches at their former home(The Rose Bowl) and their current home(StubHub Center). Nonetheless, it will be exciting and fun to see the 2015 version of the International Champions Cup.