The World Cup may not be until 2018, but there will be no shortage of competitive soccer matches this summer.
The New York Cosmos announced on Tuesday that the team will be traveling to Canada on July 22 to play six-time La Liga winner Valencia CF, one of the most revered clubs in Europe.
The game will be the first time in history that the two storied franchisees have gone head-to-head.
The preseason friendly is part of the Spanish clubs North American preseason tour.
The highly anticipated bout will take place in Regina, Canada. It will be the citys first-ever international soccer exhibition match and will be played at the new state-of-the-art Mosaic Stadium.
"It's a great privilege to play in the first soccer match in beautiful new Mosaic Stadium, said Cosmos Chief Operating Officer Erik Stover. It's a world-class venue and we're looking forward to the challenge of playing a world-class club like Valencia CF.
In addition to winning the Spanish league six times, Los Che have won the Copa del Rey seven times, the UEFA Europa League three times and the UEFA Super Cup twice.
Valencia CF is one of only two teams, besides Barcelona and Real Madrid, to have won the Spanish league in the last 15 years. They triumphed in the 20012002 and 20032004 seasons.
Valencias current squad is manned by Portuguese international and UEFA Euro 2016 winner Nani, the Brazilian expert penalty stopper Diego Alves and former Manchester City and France National Team defender Eliaquim Mangala.
It will be the first time that Valencia CF has played in Canada as the team attempts to spread its brand and become a globally recognized club like its more well-known opponents Barcelona and Real Madrid
This first visit of the team to Canada, with a growing interest for soccer and against a team with the history of the New York Cosmos, is an important event for the presence of Valencia in a strategic market like North America, Director General of Valencia Mateo Alemany said in Spanish.
The Cosmos are one of the most storied franchises in America, having been led by Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pel, who is undeniably regarded as the greatest athlete to ever play the Beautiful Game.
His outstanding ball control, superb tactical ability and unbelievable runs through entire teams were admired in both Brazil and the U.S. on the pro level, where his gifted feet graced the pitches of Yankee Stadium and Giants Stadium.
The eight-time North America Soccer League champions also boasted the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Girogio Chinaglia, Carlos Alberto, Marcos Senna and more recently, Raul.
Raul, who played for the Cosmos last season and who was the first-ever player to score in two Champions League finals, scored against Valencia CF in the 2000 Champions League finals.
Following the announcement of the match, the Brooklyn Eagle spoke with Javi Marquez and Ayoze, two Spaniards on the Cosmos who previously played in La Liga during their careers.
They articulated the significance of playing a historic club like Valencia CF.
We look forward to this historic match," Javi Marquez told the Eagle. "Valencia CF has a vast soccer history, both in Spain and in Europe, and it will definitely be a good test for us.
Playing against a European-renowned team is always positive, added Ayoze. The Cosmos have a tradition of playing international exhibition matches and we feel honored to be part of the inaugural soccer match of this beautiful stadium.
Across the Pond
Two months prior to the momentous match in Canada, the Cosmos will fly to Saudi Arabia for an international friendly against Al-Hilal FC.
The match will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at Al-Hilal FCs home ground, Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.
With the visit to Saudi Arabia, it will be the 48th nation that the Cosmos have visited, emphasizing the clubs established reputation as a global soccer ambassador.
The international friendly will be the Cosmos 128th contest played on foreign soil and the 187th international match, including those played in America.
Our club has had the good fortune to represent the United States during many memorable international matches, said Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese. It is our hope that this historic visit to Saudi Arabia will unite people through the beautiful game of soccer.
Shortly after the U.S. restored diplomatic relations with Cuba, the Cosmos were the first American sports team to visit Havana in 16 years when they took on the Cuban National Team in June 2015. The Cosmos, led by Raul, triumphed 4-1.
More:
Summer of Soccer: Cosmos to play legendary La Liga side Valencia ... - Brooklyn Daily Eagle
- Lowe's Teams Up with Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF and CONMEBOL Copa Amrica 2024 USA to Win Over Soccer ... - Lowes Corporate - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Canyon Endurace CF SLX 8 AXS Aero All in the name of speed and distance? - GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Porosome treatment targeting CFTR shows promise in CF models - Cystic Fibrosis News Today - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- The Reign of Girls Generation's YoonA in Endorsements: The CF Queen - allkpop - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Lowe's Teams Up with Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF and CONMEBOL Copa Amrica 2024 USA to Win Over Ftbol ... - Inter Miami CF - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- The changing epidemiology of pulmonary infection in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: an 18-year ... - Nature.com - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Controlling anxiety is a key part of managing my health with CF - Cystic Fibrosis News Today - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Orlando City at CF Montreal: Three Keys to Victory - The Mane Land - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Learn to Evaluate (CF) using the Charts - Stock Traders Daily - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- CF Industries and JERA Announce Joint Development Agreement to Develop Greenfield Low-Carbon Ammonia ... - Business Wire - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- CF Montreal plays Orlando City in conference action - FOX Sports - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- CF Montral: What is the ceiling for Josef Martnez's new team? | MLSSoccer.com - MLSsoccer.com - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Spotlight on CF Industries Holdings: Analyzing the Surge in Options Activity - CF Industries Holdings (NY - Benzinga - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Mamardashvili boast the highest spot-kick saves this season - Valencia CF - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Jaume Domnech: "I have the VCF DNA inside me" - Valencia CF - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- MATCH RECAP: Inter Miami CF Earns 2-3 Win on the Road Over Sporting Kansas City at a Packed Arrowhead Stadium - Inter Miami CF - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Pavel "The Experiment" Dailidko: Undefeated in 2023 and Charging into BRAVE CF 81 this Saturday, April 20 - Black Belt Magazine - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- JERA and CF Industries Holdings sing ammonia production deal - SAFETY4SEA - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Lowe's Teams Up with Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF and CONMEBOL Copa Amrica 2024 USA to Win Over Soccer ... - PR Newswire - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) Shares Purchased by Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. - Defense World - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- CF: Milan to jump above Juventus in UEFA ranking for first time in 10 years - Sempre Milan - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Color Star's Partner Team Villarreal CF Bests Real Madrid CF Once Again As The Yellow Submarine Maintains Its Impressive Win Record -... - April 19th, 2023 [April 19th, 2023]
- Brave CF 70 Slovenia: Joilton Lutterbach vs. Andreas Gustafsson; Date, fight times, how to watch on DAZN - dazn.com - April 19th, 2023 [April 19th, 2023]
- Malaga CF owner Sheikh Al-Thani vows never to put the club he has run into the ground up for sale - The Olive Press - April 19th, 2023 [April 19th, 2023]
- CF Industries partnering with South Korea firm on $2 billion blue ammonia project in Ascension - The Advocate - March 4th, 2023 [March 4th, 2023]
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - February 7th, 2023 [February 7th, 2023]
- Reg CF: 2022 Delivered A Decline For Investment Crowdfunding As Economy Slowed, But Expectations Going - Crowdfund Insider - February 7th, 2023 [February 7th, 2023]
- Cystic fibrosis life expectancy: Averages by stage and age - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- Cystic Fibrosis Carrier: What You Should Know - Healthline - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- Cystic Fibrosis: Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis | ACOG - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- CF Moto to launch a retro mini bike, will compete with Honda Grom in the international markets, all we know so far - DNP INDIA - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) Short Interest Down 10.3% in October - MarketBeat - November 16th, 2022 [November 16th, 2022]
- Will CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) Stay at the Top of the Basic Materials Sector? - InvestorsObserver - October 25th, 2022 [October 25th, 2022]
- Wanyama on Sunday played his last match for CF Montreal- Here are potential destinations - The Standard - October 25th, 2022 [October 25th, 2022]
- Scouting Report: 5 things you should know about CF Montral when they play NYCFC in the MLS Cup Playoffs - Hudson River Blue - October 21st, 2022 [October 21st, 2022]
- 2-year-old living with cystic fibrosis helped by new treatments - 11Alive.com WXIA - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Phage Trial to Treat CF Patients with Multi-Drug Resistant Bacterial Infections - UC San Diego Health - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- High Blood-sugar Levels at Night Affect Lung Function in CF Adults... - Cystic Fibrosis News Today - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- This 7-year-old is finally on a 'life-changing' cystic fibrosis drug. For others in Ontario, access is tricky - CBC.ca - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- CF's Thomas and Easttam dodge Panthers' high-powered defense, tackle running offense head-on - Camden News - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- The Difficulties of Diving Back In After Taking a Hiatus | Cystic... - Cystic Fibrosis News Today - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Cystic Fibrosis Market to Showcase Growth at a CAGR of 9% During the Forecast Period (2022-2032) | DelveInsight - PR Newswire - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Massive Predictions: Columbus Crew at CF Montral - Massive Report - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Why CF Acquisition Corp. VI Blasted 14% Higher Today - The Motley Fool - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Watch Real Betis vs. Villarreal CF Online: Live Stream, Start Time - For The Win - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Watch Getafe CF vs. Real Sociedad Online: Live Stream, Start Time - For The Win - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Mauro Icardi linked with move to Inter Miami CF - AS USA - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- CF Acquisition (NASDAQ:CFVI) Rumble Takes On Traditional Media Outlets With New 'Rumble Exclusives' Liv - Benzinga - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- SF Giants CF struggles on triple by Klay's brother - SFGATE - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- CF Industries Holdings, Inc. Statement Regarding ITC Injury Determination Concerning Imports of UAN from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago - Business... - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- CF man jailed in hit-and-run case - Leader-Telegram - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- AEG and Socios.com Launch Partnership for the Inaugural Soccer Champions Tour Featuring Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, Juventus, Club America and Club... - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- Taty Castellanos plays his final game for NYCFC in 2-0 home win - Hudson River Blue - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr.: Position Change to CF from SS 'Not out of the Question' - Bleacher Report - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- CF Industries Stock: From Boom To Bust - Sell Into The Rallies (NYSE:CF) - Seeking Alpha - June 20th, 2022 [June 20th, 2022]
- CF graduates to chart their own paths to success - Valley Breeze - June 20th, 2022 [June 20th, 2022]
- Poirier: We need the strength of the fans" - Real Madrid CF - June 20th, 2022 [June 20th, 2022]
- Vertex to Present Data Demonstrating Significant Benefits of Long-Term and Early Treatment With CFTR Modulators at the European Cystic Fibrosis... - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Jayda Coleman, Oklahoma CF, robs Texas of a home run at the wall - Saturday Down South - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Gennaro Gattuso brings tenacity and technique to the Valencia CF dugout - Yardbarker - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- 77-85: On to the league final - Real Madrid CF - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Gator Greats On CF Hall of Fame Ballot - ESPN 98.1 FM - 850 AM WRUF - WRUF - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Mariners CF Julio Rodrguez named AL Rookie of the Month for May - Seattle Sports - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- CF woman charged with theft of trade secrets from former employer - Leader-Telegram - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Laso: The team were magnificent in defense" - Real Madrid CF - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- The Austrian Wonderboy Returns To Action At BRAVE CF 59 in Uzbekistan - FightBook MMA - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Son Ye Jin Teases Fans With First CF Since Wedding to Hyun Bin - Kdramastars - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Fourth anniversary of the Duodcima - Real Madrid CF - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Meet the Avro CF-105 Arrow: The Long-Ranger Fighter Designed to Battle Russia - 19FortyFive - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Charlottetown to host professional soccer match between Sunderland AFC, CF Montral U23 teams - Saltwire - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Neutrophil Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) - Physician's Weekly - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) Expected to Announce Earnings of $6.16 Per Share - Defense World - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- Living with Cystic Fibrosis: A CF patient experience story | LHSC - London Health Sciences Centre - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- CF Montreals Ismal Kon is showing impressive promise early this MLS season - The Athletic - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- Film produced by CF native to be shown at Micon Cinemas - Leader-Telegram - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- CF & CFRP Market Research Report by Carbon Fiber Materials, Resin Type, Manufacturing Process, End-use Industry, Region - Global Forecast to 2027... - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- Experienced defensive backs for CF thriving this off-season - Camden News - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- The 37th anniversary of Real Madrid's first UEFA Cup - Real Madrid CF - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- Q&A: How a Cystic fibrosis diagnosis has changed in recent years - WRAL News - May 6th, 2022 [May 6th, 2022]
- Kinnear: Hope, Turning CF Into 'Cure Found' and Betting on the Long Shot - insidelacrosse.com - May 6th, 2022 [May 6th, 2022]