Live The Pitch

Manchester United will play the 2010 MLS All-Star team on July 28, in Houston, Texas. This is a great match for English Premier League fans here in the United States to see the most popular team in the world. I think this is a great idea to get more fans interested in the MLS game.

In addition to the MLS All-star game, Manchester United will play exhibition matches against the Philadelphia Union, Kansas City Wizards and Celtic from Scotland while in the U.S.

Last year, the MLS all-stars tied Everton 1-1 in regulation. For the fans sake the game went to penalties with Everton winning 4-3. In 2008, the all-stars defeated West Ham United 3-2 in Toronto. The 2007 all-star game was against Celtic in Colorado, with the MLS stars winning 2-0.

MLS commissioner Don Garber was quoted: “We are proud to once again present our supporters with one of the most compelling All-Star Game formats in sports and we believe Manchester United’s North American tour will be a tremendous celebration of the sport following the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.”

This format is great for fans here in the U.S. but with this being a World Cup year there is a possibility that most household names will not not participate in this tour. The match will still be a great asset to soccer here in the U.S.

Here is the full article from the New Jersey Star Ledger-Manchester United to face MLS All-Stars in Houston

Both Chelsea and Manchester United won over the weekend to set up a winner take all scenario this coming Sunday.  Chelsea defeated Liverpool 2-0 and Manchester United took care of Sunderland 1-0.

Chelsea will face off with Wigan and United will face Stoke City.  For the cup to come down to the last match is great for all fans who follow the English Premier League.  United will try to become the first club to win four straight league titles.

Chelsea hold the advantage but anything can happen at this level.  Frank Lampard was quoted, “Obviously Manchester United have a tough game but we’ll never go that far (thinking we have already won). We have a big game next week. But we knew the Liverpool game was huge for us. We knew if we had dropped points we would have given the momentum to United.”

Here is a great article from ESPN Soccernet: Lampard eyes Premier League party at the Bridge

My favorite striker to watch Wayne Rooney was named PFA player of the year by his peers.  Rooney has scored 34 goals this season for Manchester United.  He has the respect of every player in the world only being 24 years old.  He possesses an uncanny work ethic on and off the ball, who constantly is making full field runs.  In my opinion, Rooney is one of the greatest goal scorers in the history of England football when healthy. The only downside I see in Rooney is his durability.   I see Rooney being a tremendous force for England up top at the World Cup this summer.  It could be a long night for the U.S. defense if he is firing on all cylinders.

Also,the Premier League team of the year selection drew one huge question mark for me. How does Frank Lampard not get on this list?  Lampard, in my opinion should be considered for player of the year.  He is a constant threat to goal coming out of the midfield for league leaders Chelsea.

Rooney was quoted,  “It’s a great feeling to win because it’s voted for by the players. It’s a great honour and I’m really proud.” Please checkout more quotes and the full team lists over at the BBC’s coverage.Wayne Rooney Wins PFA player of the year.