jonovision Posted May 7, 2007 Share Posted May 7, 2007 http://www.cbc.ca/cp/sports/070507/s050730A.html Benfica, Aston Villa to play Toronto FC at BMO Field Published: Monday, May 7, 2007 | 5:42 PM ET Canadian Press TORONTO (CP) - Portugal's Benfica and England's Aston Villa will play exhibition games against Toronto FC at BMO Field, the expansion MLS side announced Monday. Lisbon-based Benfica will play Toronto on May 23 while Birmingham-based Aston Villa will visit July 25. Benfica, third in the Portuguese league with a 18-3-7 record. Villa stands 11th in the Premier League at 11-10-16. "Toronto FC is committed to bringing in quality international teams, and we know both Villa, and Benfica fit that bill," Paul Beirne, Toronto FC's director of operations, said in a statement. Notes: Houston Dynamo's Canadian midfielder Dwayne De Rosario is the MLS player of the week for his two-goal performance in a 3-1 win over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. The attacking midfielder from Toronto scored his first two goals of the season in a five-minute span to help move the Dynamo into a first-place tie with Colorado and FC Dallas in the Western Conference. It's the fourth player of the week honour for DeRosario in his seven-year MLS career. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesW Posted May 7, 2007 Share Posted May 7, 2007 Any idea about TV? I would think that CBC, Rogers Sportsnet, or the Score would care more about these two games then against an MLS side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nolando Posted May 7, 2007 Share Posted May 7, 2007 It's sad, but I think Toronto is better equiped to play the likes of Ottawa and Toronto Croatia than relatively huge European clubs at the moment. It's shouldn't hurt however (especially since Benfica and AV are likely to suit up depleted squads), and it will certainly provide some exposure for the team and for the younger less-known players. I am green with envy for you Toronto fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lsir Posted May 9, 2007 Share Posted May 9, 2007 Do we know of any contractual obligations for Benfica to bring certain players with them? Miccoli would be a joy to see, but not sure that the Portugese league is even finished by then...... I hope this is not a reserve team!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Massive Attack Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 There are rumours that Miccoli is heading back to Juve. That doesn't bode well for him appearing here. I hope he does show, as I've always admired his play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manuel Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Any of the decent players will not be there (Quim, Petit). Portugal has a qualifing game on June 2 and and exibition game on May 30. The U21 side is perparing for the Euro U21 tournament, plus Nuno Gomes is hurt, so is Simao. The best player you will probably see play is Rui Costa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.