Saturday
July 25th 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 21st, 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 18th
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 29th 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 3rd 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
28th 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 5th.
French
football monolith PSG will have one more match before ending their US
tour. July 29th they will
face reigning ICC titleholders Manchester United at Solider Field in Chicago,
IL.
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