Liverpool send advance party to US with U21 trip to Sacramento

May 1 – Liverpool will play in the US in the pre-season International Champions Cup this July, but before then the club’s U-21 team will play two friendly matches in California and Nevada against Sacramento Republic next month.

Sacramento Republic play in the second tier in the US and were last seasons champions of the United Soccer League (USL).

The USL is considered to be a stepping stone into the MLS and Sacramento have made an application for a franchise. California’s capital city has given local authority backing for a 25,000 seat soccer specific stadium, though the £226 million project is underpinned by $180 million of private money

Liverpool’s U-21s will play Republic’s Bonney Field on Saturday May 21 before a second match against the same opposition but as Greater Nevada Field, Reno, on Wednesday May 25.

The Reno venue will be the future home of Reno 1868 FC which will join the USL as an expansion team in 2017. Reno are being supported by the Republic in their build up to opening their USL account.

Eric Edelstein, President of Reno 1868 FC said: “We are overjoyed to host the U21s of one of the world’s most decorated football clubs for our first ever professional soccer match at Greater Nevada Field in downtown Reno.”

“By bringing an English Premier League Club to Nevada for the first time, we will show the world that Reno is ready for professional soccer.”

Republic FC has in the past hosted West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle United, and Sunderland from the Premier League, as well as Atlas FC of Liga MX and Scotland’s Rangers.

Paul Buckle, Sacramento Republic FC Technical Director and Head Coach, said: “These matches provide a massive opportunity for our fans to see the players currently coming through the ranks at Liverpool Football Club,”

“There will be some serious talent on show in this next generation of players and they will prove a big test for us and this will also be another step in the right direction for our club.”

Tickets are on sale priced $27 for the Sacramento match and $20 the fixture in Reno.

Liverpool’s first team will be in California playing Chelsea at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, on July 27, and AC Milan in Santa Clara on July 30.

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