On top of all the MLS action, Leagues Cup and domestic cup matches during this busy summer, several MLS sides also added international exhibitions to their schedule against some of Europe’s best clubs.
There’s a tasty lineup of matches on Wednesday, July 17 after the Rapids faced Arsenal and the San Jose Earthquakes tied La Liga club Real Valladolid earlier in the week:
Minnesota United vs. Aston Villa | Wed., July 17 (8ET)
On a seven-game winning streak across all competitions, Minnesota are one of the hottest teams in MLS. They’ll take a break from MLS and Open Cup play for a friendly against Aston Villa, one of the teams that Loons head coach Adrian Heath briefly played for in his career.
The match will be Aston Villa’s first since winning promotion to the Premier League. Young star Jack Grealish is with the squad, as is new signing Wesley, a Brazilian striker. Former Chelsea legend John Terry is an assistant coach for the club, too.
FC Dallas vs. Sevilla FC | Wed., July 17 (8ET)
Dallas will welcome La Liga side Sevilla to Frisco on Wednesday, the first of the Spanish club’s preseason preparations.
Sevilla, who have been busy this summer with nine new signings, finished sixth last year. Fans will hope to get a first look at their new stars against Dallas, including Lucas Ocampos, Luuk de Jong and others.
Seattle Sounders vs. Borussia Dortmund | Wed., July 17 (10:30ET)
Between home matches against Atlanta United and the Portland Timbers, the Sounders welcome German giants Borussia Dortmund to CenturyLink Field for a friendly on Wednesday.
Dortmund, who finished runners-up in the Bundesliga last year, announced their traveling squad, which includes Mats Hummels, Mario Gotze, Jadon Sancho and other global stars.
D.C. United vs. Marseille | Wed., July 24 (8 pm ET)
After a four-team Ligue 1 preseason tournament wraps up at Audi Field, D.C. United will host Marseille for a friendly.
Marseille finished fifth in Ligue 1 last season, boasting the likes of Mario Balotelli, Dimitri Payet and others.
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Real Valladolid 1 | Tues., July 16
Chris Wondolowski saw his late penalty kick hit the crossbar as the San Jose Earthquakes settled for a 1-1 tie against La Liga side Real Valladolid at Avaya Stadium.
MLS’s all-time leading scorer came on in the second half and scored the equalizer on the hour mark on a cross from Paul Marie. Real Valladolid took the lead in the first half on a 34th-minute set piece from Sandro Castillo.
SJ Earthquakes lineup: Andrew Tarbell — Nick Lima (57′ Vako), Francois Affolter, Harold Cummings (46′ Guram Kashia), Marcos Lopez — Luis Felipe (68′ Judson), Kevin Partida (57′ Jackson Yueill), Eric Calvillo (57′ Magnus Eriksson), Paul Marie, Shea Salinas (81′ Siad Haji) — Danny Hoesen (57′ Chris Wondolowski)
Colorado Rapids 0, Arsenal FC 3 | Mon., July 15
Only 48 hours after tying 2-2 on the road against the Portland Timbers in MLS Week 19, the Rapids returned home to face Arsenal, a club which was playing its first match of the 2019-’20 preseason and its first-ever match in the state of Colorado. Both clubs are owned by Stan Kroenke.
The Gunners prevailed with a 3-0 win thanks to goals by teenagers Bukayo Saka (12th min), James Olayinka (29th min) and Gabriel Martinelli (60th min).
The Rapids’ ranks were boosted by several players on loan from USL side Colorado Springs Switchbacks (indicated with asterisk * below):
Colorado Rapids lineup: Clint Irwn — Sam Raben (79′ Ismaila Jome*), Kofi Opare (79′ Kris Reaves*), Axel Sjoberg (79′ Lalas Abubakar), Sebastian Anderson — Dillon Serna, Kellyn Acosta, Cole Bassett (46′ Jordan Schweitzer*), Johan Blomberg (79′ Cesar Romero*) — Nicolas Mezquida (46′ Kwasi Donsu*), Niki Jackson (56′ Matt Hundley)
FC Dallas 0, Club Tijuana 0 | Sunday, July 7
Against former manager Oscar Pareja, Dallas played Liga MX opponent Club Tijuana to a 0-0 draw earlier in July. The home side rolled out a mixed starting XI at Toyota Stadium, with the clubs combining for five yellow cards:
FC Dallas lineup: Kyle Zobeck (46′ Jimmy Maurer) — Bressan (46′ Alfusainey Jatta), Bryan Reynolds, Jonathan Gomez (69′ Ema Twumasi), Callum Montgomery — Edwin Cerrillo (69′ Bryan Acosta), Thomas Roberts (69′ Santiago Mosquera), Jacori Hayes (Brandon Servania) — Ricardo Pepi (69′ Dominique Badji), Pablo Aránguiz, Francis Atuahene (69′ Jesus Ferreira)
