The Major League Soccer season is a grind.
The first practices started in late January, and the league champion won’t hoist the trophy until Nov. 21. So when there’s a break in the schedule, you’d think the last thing the players would want to take part in is an exhibition game on a muggy July night. But that’s what the Wizards will do Sunday.
Of course, after facing the likes of UMKC and AC St. Louis in exhibitions this season, the Wizards are a tad more eager about Sunday’s opponent: Manchester United.
The match against the English powerhouse starts at 5 p.m. at Arrowhead Stadium.
“It’s exciting,” said Wizards captain Davy Arnaud. “It’s not an opportunity you’re going to get very often. We play here, and they play in their league. For us to get this opportunity is exciting for our team and also for me personally for sure.”
After suffering through a brutal 1-8-3 stretch, the Wizards bounced back last week with a tie and a victory on the road. So they have a bit of momentum heading into Sunday’s game.
Staying on a roll is the goal for Wizards coach/technical director Peter Vermes, but it won’t be easy.
Even though some stars such as Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand won’t be playing, Manchester United is still loaded with talent. And that actually makes Vermes happy.
“We are going to try to continue on the same themes that we’ve done so far, continuing to develop our game and our style,” Vermes said. “It’s us really getting a chance to develop our play against a side that obviously does everything at a high standard.”
Both teams will suit up 22 players, and Vermes said there will be unlimited substitutions. Manchester United is in its preseason, so coach Alex Ferguson will be eager to get a look at a variety of players.
Ditto for Vermes, who will get a chance to see some guys who haven’t gotten a lot of minutes this year.
One of those who should play is forward Sunil Chhetri, who is from India. He has played in just one game this year — a U.S. Open match against Colorado.
“I just want to grab my opportunity and go out there and play,” Chhetri said. “It’s been three months since I’ve been in the U.S. … I’m looking forward to it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime achievement to play against the best team in the world.”
That’s how every Wizard views the game. They’re all pumped to show what they can do against the iconic soccer team.
However, the team is in the middle of its season, so the players can’t play with reckless abandon.
“It’s going to be a formidable opponent,” Vermes said. “We’re going to give a lot of guys an opportunity to play knowing full well that we’ve got a game the following week against Toronto. So we’ve got to be smart and keep our rhythm going, too.”
