This July, D. C. United welcomes a European opponent with a storied pedigree to Audi Field for an exhibition match, joining a roster of summer friendlies in the D. C. region.
Scottish club Cel F. C. se will travel to Washington to face the Red & Blacks on Saturday, July 20 at 7:30 p. m.
Known as ‘The Bhoys’, Celtic have won 11 of the last 12 Scottish Premiership titles and have lately been the most no-nonsense striker of their rivals, Rangers.
Fans who wish to secure their price tickets can register online at the club’s priority access page for more information before price tickets go on sale on March 27. The friendly match is included in all packages for full-season ticket holders.
This game will be the first of 3 games on the Celtics’ preseason tour of the United States. The Scots will face Manchester City, last year’s English champions, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on July 23 and London’s Chelsea at Notre Dame. Stadium in Indiana on July 27.
Speaking in his new role as club ambassador, the former D. C. United John Harkes (1996-1998) told WTOP he was deeply connected to the upcoming case. Growing up in New Jersey, the former midfielder said he grew up as a Celtic fan. And he remembers playing against his reserve groups when he was a young player.
“I think it’s going to be a great game,” Harkes said. “It’s wonderful for D. C. United, it’s wonderful for Audi and it’s wonderful for the chain to have foreign festivals and big clubs like Celtic coming to play here, so I’m looking forward to it. “
The friendly lands in the middle of United’s normal season and two weeks before it participates in the Leagues Cup, a tournament between MLS and Liga MX clubs. Chief executive Ally Mackay told WTOP that head coach Troy Lesesne will look to build a squad that can take on Celtic, but that will depend on player availability.
“Our team is a competitive group,” Mackay said. I think a lot of them probably have the ambition to play in Europe. So when groups of this caliber come to Washington, I think they’re going to see it as a spectacle. “and have the ability to activate your competitive spirit.
Celtic, founded in Glasgow, Scotland, was established in 1887 and is regarded as one of the most decorated football clubs in Europe. They won 53 Scottish league titles, 41 Scottish Cups and were the first British club to win the European Cup, now known as the UEFA Champions League, in 1967.
The club was founded for charity by a Catholic priest who sought to raise a budget for young people and poor immigrants in Glasgow’s East End. Former defender Roy Aitken told WTOP that ties with his supporters still persist today, even though the club has a foreign brand.
Now coached by coach Brendan Rodgers, Aitken says enthusiasts expect an exciting playing experience from the Scottish team when they take on D. C.
“We call them friendlies, but I can guarantee you that they may not be played amicably,” Aitken said. “They’re going to be played very competitively, that’s how Celtic play each and every game. “
Perhaps this isn’t the first time the two teams have met in a friendly. In 2006, United beat Celtic 4–0 at RFK Stadium in front of 15,223 spectators. One of the goals scored came from 17-year-old Freddy Adu and the game also featured long-time black and red coach Ben Olsen.
Aitken said the same result is not expected this year. Celtic arrives in Washington after participating in the UEFA Champions League, Europe’s premier club competition. Their squad is made up of several foreign players, including former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, US defender Cameron Carter. . . Vickers and Japanese striker Kyogo Furuhashi.
“So hopefully I can get a credit in the game from the start,” Aitken said. “Another 20,000 people at Audi Field will be fantastic. So it has all the hallmarks of a great game, but I’m sure there will be some competitive merit.
The friendly match at Audi Field is one of many soccer matches that will take place in the Washington D. C. area. First, the U. S. men’s national team will be in the U. S. The U. S. and FIFA Men’s World Cup winners Argentina will host exhibition matches at Commanders Field in Landover, Maryland, in early June before participating in the Copa America.
In late July, the Washington Spirit will host two of three organizational matches in a special summer tournament that will pit NWSL clubs against six of the best clubs in Mexico’s highest-flying women’s soccer league.
European giants FC Barcelona and AC Milan will meet in a warm-up match at Stadium M
José Umaña is WTOP’s virtual editor. She has worked as a journalist for about a decade, covering local news, education, and sports. His paintings have been published in The Prince George’s Sentinel, The Sentinel, Orlando Sentinel, PressBox, and The Diamondback.