World NewsEverton to Face MLS All-Stars |
Everton will face the Major League Soccer All-Stars team as part of their North American pre-season tour, the Barclays Premier League club have confirmed.
The FA Cup finalists will face the best the American league has to offer at Salt Lake City's new Rio Tinto Stadium on Wednesday July 29.The tour marks the fifth time in six years the Merseyside club have spent time in America as part of their pre-season preparations.
"We are all looking forward to the match in Salt Lake City," said manager David Moyes.
"I am sure there will be a lot of interest in the game and it will be a valuable part of our pre-season schedule.
"We always enjoy spending time in America during the summer because the facilities are first-class and there is a warm welcome wherever we go."
Everton are the latest in a line of British sides to face the MLS All-Stars on their home turf, with West Ham, Celtic, Chelsea and Fulham having previously contested the fixture, albeit without success.
The encounter, which will see the All-Stars defending an unbeaten five-game run against international opposition, will have particular significance for Everton's American goalkeeper Tim Howard.
"I can't wait to play the MLS All-Stars," said Howard, who played in the MLS for the New York/New Jersey Metrostars before moving to Manchester United.
"I will doubtless know a few of the guys in the US team and I know full well that it will be a real test for us at that stage of our pre-season."
MLS Commissioner Don Garber added: "We are very excited about Everton FC agreeing to be the opponent for the 2009 MLS All-Star Game.
"Everton is an elite European club that features many world-class players - including former MLS standout Tim Howard - who will challenge our unbeaten record against English Premier League teams in the MLS All-Star Game series."
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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