David Beckham is no longer there to bend it for the L.A. Galaxy, but there are still plenty of stars on the squad that might offer the Cristiano Renaldo-led Real Madrid a challenge. They will at least make the game entertaining as the Spanish La Liga team utilizes a super quick-paced brand of futbol that dwarfs anything a Major League Soccer team can muster up -- even one with Phoenix native and veteran midfielder Pablo Mastroeni and the U.S.’s biggest star, Landon Donovan, back from his self-imposed hiatus.
In reality, it’s the 28-year-old Renaldo, arguably the world’s best player, luring fans to the stadium. With a talented squad of lightning fast supporting players -- including Kaka, Sergio Ramos, and Xabi Alonso -- is there any doubt Renaldo will score? Not much, though the Galaxy’s focus will be on shutting him down. Yet, considering he scored 55 goals in 56 appearances during the 2012-13 campaign, his eyes are always on the prize.
Catch the “friendly” beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 1, at University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive in Glendale. Tickets are $35 and up via www.ticketmaster.com.
Thu., Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m., 2013
