Summer Return to U.S. Looks Unlikely

Looks like there was something to those rumors of a summer trip to Philadelphia for Newcastle United after all.

The Newcastle Evening Chronicle reported today that Newcastle was indeed in talks with Major League Soccer to serve as the opponents for the league's All-Star game on July 25 in Chester, Pa. But, with United's preseason schedule dependent on what European competition it qualifies for, Newcastle couldn't commit. So MLS instead opted for Chelsea, which will surely bring some of that legendary Stamford Bridge atmosphere to PPL Park (that's sarcasm in case you couldn't detect it).

So it's looking less and less likely that Newcastle will be returning to the U.S.

In other news, 19-year-old Australian center back Curtis Good begins a 10-day trial with Newcastle today. Hopefully his time in Newcastle is more memorable than Mark Viduka's.

Comments

[TJ]

Seems strange that an uncertain European competition schedule would keep Newcastle out when Chelsea face the same situation. Either way, it will be dissapointing if the Toon don't make it to the States.

[Mathew]

How can Chelsea commit to this but Newcastle can't?? Further more doesn't Newcastle recognize the top clubs, Man U, Arsenal and Chelsea having been playing in the US for years. Newcastle did it last year and look at their season. Not saying the US tour was a large or significant contributor to the current form. However something needs to be said for the top clubs continuing to play in the US for pre-season over Asia/ Europe.

[Tom]

I think the possibility of the Europa League and some of those early-round games is the big issue for NUFC. Not sure why Chelsea isn't concerned by that.

[Mathew]

They'll be more prepared for Europe if they do a summer tour. Be it in America, Asia or South America instead of a couple of home games against random teams. After a long season of playing at home and against English clubs you need to change it up and expose the team and players to a different environment. I have a huge bias to this as I want the Toon back in the US to get to a couple games. However I also think there are big benefits to playing in the US pre-season over doing in continental Europe.

[Cheick Tiote]

Calm down Matty, the Toon know that bigger clubs go to america do you think we think we thought it up? Of course you're not saying it's the US tour that's helped this season, except "Newcastle did it last year and look at their season" oops

I'd personally love another tour of america but they'll more than likely play a few teams in Europe which will hopefully get us ready for any qualifiers we might end up in if we get a European spot playing against those types of teams

[Rob]

So close to having them come to my hometown. Sigh.

[Mathew]

Funny that 'Tiote' would tell anyone to calm down. I don't get your points?
I'm saying taking a club for a pre-season where they spend several weeks away from anything they're used to is better for the team as a whole on many levels and not just going over to Italy to play Milan or someone...
I said that Man U and other big teams have been doing it for years and we finally got on board last year. We'll see how prepared they are when they spend the summer playing hartlepool and Darlington...