English Premier League club Crystal Palace will make a preseason trip to the United States this summer, and it will include stops in Columbus and Philadelphia.
The Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union both announced on Monday that they will host Crystal Palace in midseason friendlies in late July. The Crew will lock horns with the Eagles at Crew Stadium on July 23 before the Union have their shot on July 25 at PPL Park.
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“Crystal Palace was really a fun team to watch with its attacking style of football throughout this past season,” said Union CEO and operating partner Nick Sakiewicz in a statement released by Philadelphia. “We are looking forward to hosting a great team and organization this summer. Crystal Palace will be our fifth English Premier League team to play the Philadelphia Union, and we are delighted we can bring them to PPL Park. I know the fans will see an interesting and exciting international exhibition.”
“It’s exciting to have Crystal Palace come to Columbus for the first time,” said Crew senior vice president of sales and marketing Mike Malo in a statement released by the club. “They play in one of the top leagues in the world, and our fans have told us that they enjoy and appreciate seeing clubs from the Premiership participate in exhibitions at Crew Stadium.”
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Crystal Palace's tour also includes a match against the USL PRO's Richmond Kickers on July 28.
Palace finished the 2013-2014 campaign with a 13-6-19 record and an 11th-place finish. Led by Australian captain Mile Jedinak, Crystal Palace also boast talented players such as top scorer Dwight Gayle (eight goals), Irish international Damien Delaney and Jamaican international Adrian Mariappa.
