Chelsea Makes a Date with MLS in Chicago

By Todd McClamroch in News on Apr 20, 2006 5:24PM

Last month Chicagoist helped spread the rumor that Premier League Champion Chelsea would be the opponent for Major League Soccer's All-Star team. Today that rumor was finally confirmed at a live press conference from the Chicago Fire's Bridgeview Stadium. The All-Star game, pitting the best of the MLS against Chelsea, will be played on Saturday, August 5th at Bridgeview and will be broadcast on ESPN.

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber was on hand for the announcement as was Chelsea FC Business Affairs Director Paul Smith. Smith promised the game would be a competitive match and that his team would not take this as an exhibition match but as a serious game. Chelsea is currently in the driver's seat to repeat as Premier League Champions this season, something done only once before in the league's history.

Chelsea Manager Jose Mourinho said, "I am very happy to be coming back to the United States again. This will be our third year preparing for the new Premiership season in America and it is ideal preparation...this time we will have a very tough game against the best players in the MLS."

Starting today, Chicago Fire season ticket holders have access to a priority ticket offer that allows them to purchase a limited number of tickets for the event. No date has been announced for when the public sale will begin.