The Colorado Rapids will welcome English powerhouse Arsenal on July 15 for a friendly at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, the club announced Thursday. Both clubs are owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
Arsenal will have four preseason matches in the United States and the Rapids will be their lone MLS opponent. The Rapids face the Portland Timbers on July 13 and NYCFC on July 20.
“We are excited to be hosting one of Europe’s most iconic teams in Arsenal,” Rapids general manager Padraig Smith said in a club statement. “They are one of the top clubs in the world and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against them on the field and providing sports fans in Colorado with the opportunity to be part of this outstanding matchup.”
Arsenal are headlined by global stars such as Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. The club are currently in fourth place in the Premier League, one point behind Tottenham and two points ahead of Manchester United.
“The match against Colorado Rapids in Commerce City is a great way to kick off our summer tour to the United States," Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham said. "We of course have very close links to the Rapids through our mutual ownership and we are looking forward to playing each other in a match which will provide both teams with a competitive challenge, in front of many American Arsenal supporters."
