The stars are coming Chester.
Major League Soccer announced on Wednesday morning that English Premier League power Chelsea will be the opponent in this year’s All-Star Game, scheduled for July 25, 2012 at the Philadelphia Union’s PPL Park in Chester. Additionally, MLS announced that Union coach Peter Nowak will manage the All-Stars.
“Hosting a club as successful and prominent as Chelsea FC makes the AT&T MLS All-Star Game a destination event for the North American soccer community, one that will attract a global television audience,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a release. “Our players relish the opportunity to challenge the world’s best and play under the All-Star spotlight.”
The London-based club is full of some of the most well-known names in soccer, from English national team stalwarts Frank Lampard, John Terry and Ashley Cole to Spanish stars Fernando Torres and Juan Torres, along with Ivorian icon Didier Drogba.
The game will mark the second time for Chelsea to battle the best players from MLS in the summer exhibition. Last year, MLS lost 4-0 to Manchester United in Harrison, NJ at Red Bull Arena.
Philadelphia Union full season ticket holders will have priority access to tickets for the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game beginning today at 2pm (where they'll be able to purchase up to six tickets per account at a special price) at Philadelphiaunion.com. VISA cardholders can buy tickets via an exclusive pre-sale that starts April 25. Remaining tickets go on sale on Wednesday, May 9 at 10 a.m. on PhiladelphiaUnion.com.
