The U.S. men’s national team will play seven-time and current Africa Cup of Nations champion Egypt on Feb. 9 at the Cairo International Stadium. The game will be the second of the year for the Americans, coming after a meeting with Chile in Carson, Calif. on Jan. 22.
“Egypt is an extremely talented and competitive team,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. “Their performances in the Confederations Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations have demonstrated their ability to challenge the top teams in the world. To play against the champions of Africa in what will be a fantastic environment in Cairo is a great opportunity as we get ready for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.”
The U.S. last played Egypt at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, and defeated the Pharaohs 3-0 on from Charlie Davies, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey. The two teams have met twice in their history, with the U.S. winning both games. The teams first played each other on June 8, 1987, in Seoul, South Korea with the U.S. earning a 3-1 victory.
Currently ranked No. 10 in the world, Egypt has claimed a record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles.
Soccer Notes:
* Blackburn Rovers fired coach says Sam Allardyce. Blackburn (6-8-3) is 13th among the 20 teams, five points above the relegation zone. The team has lost three of its last five matches, including a 7-1 defeat at Manchester United.
* The Houston Dynamo have acquired former D.C. United defender Jordan Graye in a trade with the Portland Timbers. Graye, 23, completed his first professional season in 2010 with hometown club D.C. United, making 20 starts and playing 1,662 minutes in MLS play, fourth on the team.
* Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber announced today that Kathy Carter has been named President of Soccer United Marketing (SUM), MLS’ commercial subsidiary. Carter, who most recently served as Executive Vice President, will manage the day-to day operations of SUM, as well as lead the strategic planning and vision for increasing commercial revenues for Major League Soccer, all MLS clubs and all properties represented by SUM.
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