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International Football Headlines US Summer


International football and some of its biggest stars have taken the United States by storm this summer.  Between the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup and 2015 International Champions Cup, football pitches across US have and will continue to host top-flight talents from leagues all over the world.  Football, formally known as soccer in the US, has found itself on more televisions than ever.  Luckily, fans still have much more to watch before the end of this summer.

The 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup has been headlined with the potential of another United States and Mexico final clash.  Play continues July 22nd with two Quarterfinal matches as the US face Jamaica at 6:00 pm followed by Mexico and Panama this Wednesday.  These games will put Major League Soccer and international icons front and center as they present on both squads. 

The US has a total of 10 MLS members in their side headlined by Captain Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Mix Diskerud (NYC FC), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City) and rising star Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy).  Jamaica’s 9 MLS squad members have proved to be vital in their success lead by Giles Barnes (Houston Dynamo), Darren Mattocks (Vancouver Whitecaps) and JE-Vaughn Watson.

Panama has fought their way within a game of returning to the Gold Cup Final, led by 3 big name MLS players Jaime Penedo (LA Galaxy), Blas Perez (FC Dallas) and Gabriel Torres (Colorado Rapids).  Although Mexico has a squad with only 1 MLSer, Giovani dos Santos has been in media headlines after recently agreeing to a move sending him to the LA Galaxy.  Their roster contains Mexican top-flight Liga MX star Oribe Peralta (Club América) and Spanish La Liga members goalie Guillermo Ochoa (Málaga,), midfielder Jonathan dos Santos (Villarreal) and forward Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad).

With multiple top European domestic leagues set to start in August, the 2015 International Champions Cup presents the best club teams beautiful game has to offer. 

FC Barcelona has become one of the most followed football teams worldwide, with their ICC roster giving fans a chance to see a plethora of players who featured for there countries at the 2014 World Cup.  This list contains Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez, Spanish icons defender Gerard Piqué, midfielder Andres Iniesta and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic. 

Joining Barcelona is English Premier League giant Manchester United.  Although they will be without the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Team of the Year goalie David de Gea, due to transfer rumors, they still bring highly talented players to the tournament.  Their roster includes English national star Wayne Rooney and speedy winger Ashley Young as well as recent signings German midfielder Bastion Schweinsteiger and Dutch starlet Memphis Depay.

Also from the English Premier League is the 2014-15 Champions Chelsea FC, coached by PFA Premier League Manager of the Season José Mourinho.  Mourinho brings fans the gift of watching two Belgium national team standouts; reigning PFA Player of the Season Eden Hazard and stellar goalie Thibaut Courtois.  Joining them are Spanish national team members Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa who was selected to the PFA Team of the Year.


One of the most well known footballers, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is also be a part of this pre-season showcase.  The Swedish forward who won the 2012-13 and 2013-14 Ligue 1 Player of the Year features as part of Paris Saint-Germain, one of the most exciting European teams.  Other high profile members of the squad include Brazilian Lucas Moura and Blaise Matuidi who appeared at the 2014 World Cup for France. 
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