Sporting Kansas City announced on Tuesday that English Premier League heavyweights Manchester City will headline a series of events dubbed “Summer in the Soccer Capital” in June and July, revolving around the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
City will visit Sporting Park on July 23 for their first meeting with an MLS side since winning the EPL trophy in 2012. Manager Manuel Pellegrini's side is still vying for top honors in this year's Premier League and UEFA Champions League competitions, and features 14 players who helped their countries qualify for the World Cup.
“It is a pleasure to host a world-class club like Manchester City,” said Sporting manager Peter Vermes in a statement. “It will be a great event not only for our fans, but our players as well to measure ourselves against one of the best teams in all of soccer.”
“Summer in the Soccer Capital” will also include official World Cup watch parties at KC Live! in Kansas City's Power & Light District.
“One of the most transcendent moments in the history of Sporting Club were the World Cup watch parties of 2010,” said Sporting Club CEO Robb Heineman. “I'm excited to see what happens with this fan base in 2014 and their response to how great these World Cup watch parties are going to be.”
Manchester City's full roster for the international friendly will be announced prior to the team's arrival in Kansas City. Following the friendly, City will participate in the International Champions Cup with group stage matches against AC Milan (July 27), Liverpool (July 30) and Olympiacos (Aug. 2).
