Newcastle United is the third Premier League club to announce that they’ll be playing a friendly in the United States this summer. Manchester United officially announced their tour today. Everton announced last week that they’ll be playing D.C. United in late July in Washington D.C. And now it was announced today that Newcastle United will play Sporting Kansas City on July 20, 2011 at Livestrong Sporting Park, the home stadium for Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City.
In preparation for the friendly, the Premier League club is expected to hold training sessions at the Sporting Club Training Center in Swope Park (formerly Swope Park Training Center, 6310 Lewis Rd., Kansas City, Mo) from July 17 through July 19 as part of their pre-season preparations.
“Myself and the team are really looking forward to coming to America in the summer and playing against Sporting Kansas City,” Newcastle United Manager Alan Pardew said. “We’re planning a few days training in Kansas City before the game, which will form an integral part of our build-up for the 2011-12 season. I know Manchester United were in Kansas City last year and went home beaten, so we know full well what a tough game it will be for us, but that is exactly the sort of challenge we will be looking for.”
Newcastle United last visited the United States in 2000 when they played friendlies against both DC United and Columbus Crew.
Newcastle United blog NUFC.com is reporting a rumor that Columbus Crew may be one of the Toon’s other opponents on its summer tour.
