May 31, 2007
Stanford, Calif. - Three-time English league champions Chelsea Football Club and 10-time Mexican Primera League champions Club America today announced a friendly match as part of Chelsea's fourth consecutive preseason tour in the U.S.
Scheduled for Saturday, July 14, at 6 p.m. PT at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif., the match 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.
"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 Chelsea Business Affairs Director Paul 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."
Club America boasts the largest registered fan club in North America and plays frequently in the United States. No stranger to the Bay Area, July will mark the one year anniversary since America played Morelia at Spartan Stadium in San Jose. Most recently, America played two games at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. during the InterLiga in January.
"Playing against Chelsea will be an opportunity to learn and also to demonstrate Americas' potential to the world," said Club America Vice President Yon de Luisa. "A match in the San Francisco area, against a team considered amongst the best in Europe, with players such as Ballack, Lampard, Drogba strengthens our effort to internationalize our Club."
Ticket sales begin today and are available at the Stanford Athletics ticket office, by calling1-866-818-0968 or by visiting www.gostanford.com.
"Stanford University is proud to bring this exciting match between two of the top sides of international soccer to the Bay Area," said Stanford's Jaquish and Kenninger Director of Athletics Bob Bowlsby. "Stanford has hosted Olympic and World Cup soccer matches in the past, but this will be the first in the new Stanford Stadium. Stanford is proud of our championship tradition and to be able to bring two championship sides in Chelsea and Club America to the Bay Area as a showcase of world class soccer is an exciting opportunity."
Founded in 1905, Chelsea Football Club plays in the English Premier League and won the league title in 2006, 2005 and 1955. Nicknamed The Blues, Chelsea call Stamford Bridge in South West London home. Visit www.chelseafc.com for more information.
Based in Mexico City, Club America plays in Mexico's Primera División and holds ten league titles. Established in 1916, Club America plays in Aztec Stadium and is known for its passionate fans throughout Mexico, the U.S. and beyond. The Club's official colors are blue and yellow and their nickname is Las Aguilas. Visit www.clubamerica.com.mx for more information.