YAST (Yet another soccer thread)

[baggio248]

Should be a fun game to watch. For the West Coast, its on at 5:00 pm on ESPN 2.

Adu, United face Chelsea in first match between MLS, Premier League champions
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - As if he weren't already excited enough, Freddy Adu was asked to contemplate how it would feel if D.C. United could somehow find a way beat Chelsea, the Premier League champion from England.

"You know how happy we'll be?" Adu said, his eyes lighting up. "How happy I'll be? We're playing against, in my opinion, the best team in the world!"

For the first time, the reigning champions of the top soccer leagues in the United States and England are playing each other, and it's a mismatch for the ages. Chelsea's superstar-laden team - yes, it is probably the best team in the world - has a payroll approaching $200 million, about 100 times more than United pays its players in the newer, slower and salary-capped MLS.

United coach Peter Nowak can only hope that his awe-struck players' legs don't get all rubbery when they take the field before an expected crowd of 30,000 to 35,000 Thursday night at FedEx Field.

"We have to make sure the pressure is not going to overwhelm them," Nowak said. "There's nothing to lose, but this is a prestigious game and everyone wants to present ourselves in a good way."

The game is the second leg of Chelsea's three-game tour of the United States. The visit is a chance to get the players in shape for the upcoming Premier League season while adding to the marketing power of a team whose overseas popularity is still far behind giants such as English rival Manchester United and Spain's Real Madrid.

Yet, even though the game is a just an exhibition, United's players know they represent a league that lacks the pace of even a friendly effort from England's best.

"I don't think we're pushing to beat Chelsea," midfielder Ben Olsen said. "We'd like to win the game, of course, but we're realistic. They're a great soccer team. We're going to play the best we can, and hopefully they'll play the best they can. That's what people are coming out to see. It's going to be a great test to see where we're at on a global scale."

United has hosted European clubs before, but Chelsea is the most impressive visitor to date. Also, because of the timing of the match, the visitors are expected to play most, if not all, of their top players.

"We're not just playing for us, we're playing for MLS," United midfielder Dema Kovalenko said.

The 10-year-old American league is still somewhat of a novelty for the English players, but Chelsea captain John Terry does know a little bit about United.

"I've seen them quite a few times, when we have late away games and we get back at 2, 3, or 4 in the morning and switch the TV on, and some of the games are on overseas," Terry said. "I know Freddy Adu plays there."

In fact, Chelsea is Adu's favorite team, and the 16-year-old prodigy has made no secret of his desire to play for Chelsea one day. Adu was a guest in the team's luxury box when Chelsea played an exhibition game in Philadelphia during a tour last year.

"He's on our radar," Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said.

Meanwhile, practice has been a bit more spirited for United this week. No motivational speeches from Nowak are necessary.

"If you're not motivated before this kind of game, then you're in the wrong place, the wrong locker room," Nowak said. "I think they are motivated right now. You can see the excitement."

[VTGreg]

I've got my Tivo set up so I can watch it when I get home from work. Very interested to see a) who Chelsea brings and b) how bad the beating is.

[baggio248]

There are alot of European teams touring the world. I never knew they did this much. I hope they show more of these on TV.

Man U. Tour:
Man U. 2-0 Hong Kong National Team
Man U. 3-0 Beijing Hyundai
Man U. 3-0 Beijing Guo'an
Kashima Antlers 2-1 Man U.
Man U. vs Urawa Reds Saturday

Real Madrid Tour:
Real Madrid 3-0 Chivas de Guadalajara
Real Madrid 2-0 L.A. Galaxy
Real Madrid 3-2 Beijing Guoan
Tokyo Verdy 3-0 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 3-1 Jubilo Iwata
Real Madrid vs. Thailand All Stars (July 29)
Real Madrid vs. Budapest All Stars (August 14)

A.C. Milan Tour:
A.C. Milan 3-1 Chicago Fire
A.C. Milan 0-1 Chelsea (in Boston)
A.C. Milan vs. Chelsea (In New York July 31)

Chelsea Tour:
Chelsea 0-1 A.C. Milan
Chelsea vs. D.C. United (Washington D.C. July 28)
Chelsea vs. A.C. Milan (In New York July 31)

[bachviet]

I'm going to enjoy this game tonight. I think Chelsea brings its regular team but expect lots of subs in the second half.

[VTGreg]

Real Madrid beat Chivas 3-1 in Chicago. Great game and got to see all of the Madrid stars.

[baggio248]

I went to the Galaxy/Real game. It was awsome. The only one that didn't play was Ronaldo.

[tupacboy]

i watched this game... duff's score to tie it was impressive...

[baggio248]

I haven't gotten a chance to watch it all yet. I saw the first 25 minutes.

Saturday is the MLS All Star Game, with the MLS All Stars playing against Fulham FC.