Written by: Kevin McGarr, The Reserve Clause
Summer is in full swing, but soccer tends to take a back seat due to meaningless friendlies and the never ending rumors of the summer transfer window. With the exception of a few exciting tournaments (read: Audi Cup 2011, Copa América, Gold Cup) friendlies are just a way for managers to test out who will go on loan spells, who will make the first team, and who will fall to the reserve squads.
This article will take a look in to England's top four clubs (Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City) and their respective summer tours throughout the world.
Manchester United: Sir Alex Ferguson has brought the reigning Premier League champions to the United States for yet another summer tour. The Red Devils began their summer season at Gillette Stadium with a 4-1 rout over New England Revolution. Michael Owen kicked off the match with a splendid finish in to the bottom right corner. Federico “Kiko” Macheda found the back of the net twice in this match. The promising 19-year old Italian is battling for a spot on United's first team after making 14 appearances for Italian side Sampdoria while on loan. Park Ji-Sung made it 4-1. The 30-year old South Korean has been offered a two-year extension on his current contract.
United then flew cross country to take on Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field. This game was over before it even started, with United thrashing Sounders 7-0. Goals were scored by Michael Owen, Mame Biram Diouf, Wayne Rooney (a hat-trick), Park Ji-Sung, and Gabriel Obertan.
United then flew cross country to take on Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field. This game was over before it even started, with United thrashing Sounders 7-0. Goals were scored by Michael Owen, Mame Biram Diouf, Wayne Rooney (a hat-trick), Park Ji-Sung, and Gabriel Obertan.
The following match United took on Chicago Fire at Soldier Field. United actually went down 1-0 before Wayne Rooney, Rafael, and Nani lead United to a 3-1 win.
Manchester United will take on the MLS All-Stars on Wednesday, July 27 at Red Bull Arena before playing a rematch of the 2011 Champions League final against Barcelona on July 30 at FedEx Field.
Chelsea: Chelsea went on their Far East summer tour where they squeaked by Malaysia XI 1-0 after a controversial own goal. The own goal appeared to not have fully gone over the goal line, but Chelsea were awarded the goal regardless.
The next match Chelsea played against Thailand All-Stars in a convincing 4-0 win.
Chelsea will play in the Barclay's Asia Trophy against Kitchee tomorrow, and then against either Aston Villa or Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
Chelsea will return to Great Britain to play Scottish Premier League champions Rangers in Glasgow, Scotland, at Ibrox Stadium on August 6.
Arsenal: Arsenal kicked off their Asian summer tour with a match against Malaysia XI. Arsenal won easily, 4-0. Goals were scored by Aaron Ramsey (pen.), Theo Walcott, Carlos Vela, and Tomáš Rosický.
The Gunners then struggled against Hangzhou Greentown after the Chinese Super League squad went up 1-0. Arsenal were rescued on the brink of the half with a goal by Carlos Vela, and the match ended 1-1.
Arsenal then traveled to Cologne, Germany, to take on Fußball-Bundesliga side FC Cologne. The Gunners new signing, Gervinho, made an instant impact in his debut with the club. The Ivorian scored twice, while Arsenal's other new signing, Carl Jenkinson scored a freak own goal from well outside the box. Arsenal won 3-1. The Gunners will play Boca Juniors on July 30, and New York Red Bulls on July 31.
Manchester City: City is looking to tout a number of new signings. With Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's checkbook constantly available, City could add a multitude of world class players including Sergio Aguero. The club took on Club America on July 16 in San Francisco and won 2-0. Ryan McGivern and Sean Wright-Phillips both scored.
Manchester City then took on Vancouver Whitecaps next. City won 2-1, with goals scored by John Guidetti and Sean Wright-Phillips. Noteably, Yaya Toure picked up an injury in the 35th minute after landing awkwardly while going for a header.
City then returned to the United States to play LA Galaxy where they won 1-1 (7-6 penalties). A decently competitive and enjoyable game was marred by Mario Balotelli's childish behavior. Balotelli opted to back heal what appeared to be an easy goal and pushed the ball wide of the post. Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was instantly furious and subbed off the 20-year old Italian for his theatrics. Balotelli appeared to get in to a bit of an argument with Mancini and threw his water bottle after finding his spot on the bench.
Can any American honestly expect their favorite MLS or MLS All-Star team to beat one of the powers of the world? It’s doubtful, but there have been two extremely competitive matches. Chicago Fire certainly missed out on a few opportune chances and then United decided that they’d had shown enough courtesy to the people of Chicago and continued to dismantle the hopefuls. This is a great forum for the world to see some of the best players in the world and it will continue until either the MLS can actually beat some of the premier teams in the world or until those teams decide that they can find another way to prepare for their seasons.
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