Domestic Champions Headline International Champions Cup Play

Saturday July 25^th has gives fans a chance to see French giants Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea FC as they square off at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.  When this match kicks off at 6:05 p.m. Eastern Standard Time all eyes will be on this battle of top-flight European squads. 

One of European footballs’ top names, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to showcase his scoring abilities for Paris Saint-Germain.  PSG has become one of the most exciting squads to watch as their roster includes familiar faces such as Brazilian Lucas Moura and the French duo Blaise Matuidi and Adrien Rabiot.

Chelsea FC has no shortage of stars as well.  Highlighting the team sheet is reining Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Season Eden Hazard who scored 19 total goals during last season.  Joining him is fan favorite John Terry, forwards Diego Costa and Loïc Remy with the stand goalies Thibaut Courtois and recent signing Asmir Begogiv expected to split time in goal.

PSG topped Fiorentina in their previous match on July 21^st, in what was a high scoring affair.  Jean-Kevin Augustin who found the back of the net in the 41st and 75th minute highlighted the 4-2 final score.  In only 4 first team appearances for PSG the forward has scored 5 goals, as he begins what appears to be a career with the sky as the limit.  Joining him on the scorers list was Matuidi and Ibrahimovic. 

Chelsea enters this match off of a very different performance, falling 2-4 to Major League Soccer outfit New York Red Bulls.  After getting off to a one-goal lead courtesy of Remy, an error laden Chelsea defensive effort and a four goal second half charge by New York sent the London club to the dressing room in whirlwind of disappointment. 

PSG has impressed the fans that have come to see them play so far this tournament.  Before thrashing Fiorentina in Harrison, NJ earlier this week they opened their ICC campaign in another scoring display.  July 18^th they faced Benfica in Toronto, Canada at BMO Field, home of Major League Soccer club Toronto FC.  Leading ICC scorer Jean-Kevin Augustin opened the scoring in the 29^th minute, with Lucas Moura and Ibrahimovic providing second half goals as they railed back to win 3-2.

Saturday’s nightcap has the potential for match that will exceed the expectations of a pre-season friendly.  Chelsea’s squad will be hungry to prove not only to their fans but also boss Jose Mourinho that the defeat to New York is behind them.  PSG on the other hand trail the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls by one point, sitting tied in 3^rd place of the tournament standings.

Chelsea FC has two more fixtures left in the tournament.  Their last match on US soil will come on July 28^th when they face FC Barcelona at FedEx Field in Landover, MD.  They then close out facing Fiorentina at their home ground of Stamford Bridge Stadium in London, England on August 5^th.

French football monolith PSG will have one more match before ending their US tour.  July 29^th they will face reigning ICC titleholders Manchester United at Solider Field in Chicago, IL.