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Bonney Field
Wednesday, 15th July, Kick Off; 04:00 PDT/00:00 EST
Tune in to watch today a great match up between two sides from very different leagues, continents and cultures. Hosts Sacramento Republic from the U.S. 3rd division (United Soccer League: USL), and Sunderland A.F.C from the English Premier League. One common, universal theme still brings them together – the beautiful game. And also, both sides have young players, and explosive raw soccer talent that is just waiting to explore on the pitch.
Although the midst of the season for United Soccer League side Sacramento, the team is now recovering from a devastating 4-0 loss to LA Galaxy II. Still, Sacramento Republic are flying high and are fighting for the top of the USL table (currently 4th place in the Western Conference).
It is far into the end of the 2014/15 season for Sunderland A.F.C, and the team has finished in 16th place last season, and has had its fair share of struggles in recent years in the Premier League. So players are probably not at their prime fitness right now. Add to that a 14-hour flight, and the fact that some key players allegedly moving away from the team soon (Liam Bridcutt and Will Buckley, who are still travelling to this match), others that have been left behind for their U21 duties (Santiago Vergini NS Charis Mavrias).
One to watch: Sunderland’s attacking midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini, an Italian International who transferred from Juventus in 2013 is expected to play, and have been known to give this, and all other pre-season games significant importance, as a good performance in pre-season would possibly promise him a starting position in Sunderland’s once the EPL season kicks off.
All in all, a very strong side from the American United Soccer League, taking on an English Premier League side that has had it’s challenges in recent times – and we are up for a pretty good game of soccer tonight.
Free to view on Youtube: Sacramento vs. Sunderland or Sacramento vs. Sunderland 2nd
