LONDON (AP) - Tottenham will play the Los Angeles Galaxy and New York Red Bulls in July on a preseason tour to the United States.
The English Premier League club said it will play the Galaxy and former Spurs striker Robbie Keane at the Home Depot Center on July 24. It faces the Red Bulls in the inaugural New York Invitational Cup a week later.
“Tottenham has been one of the top EPL teams over the past several years,” New York Red Bulls President of Business Operations Chris Heck said. “We are also excited to bring an elite international club as a reward for our season-ticket holders.”
Spurs played the San Jose Earthquakes and the Red Bulls in 2010 on its last visit to the United States.
“The facilities will be first class and the opposition will provide a great test for the squad,” Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said. “We can expect another tough encounter when we face the Red Bulls again this time. Playing the winners of the MLS Cup in LA Galaxy will provide a real challenge, too. Any team that includes proven international performers like Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan and David Beckham are sure to be top drawer.”
Tottenham shares links with the Galaxy through the Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns the Galaxy. Spurs and AEG joined in a failed bid to move into London’s Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games.
Beckham trained with Tottenham last year but never played for the north London club, with whom he began his career as a trainee before joining Manchester United. The Galaxy was reluctant to let him play on loan in Europe during the MLS offseason after he damaged his Achilles tendon at AC Milan the previous year.
“There is a strong relationship between the two clubs and we are looking forward to the chance to renew old friendships,” Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said.
The Galaxy hosted Boca Juniors, Milan and Manchester City in previous seasons.
Levy said his club, which is in contention for a return the Champions League, has many American fans. Tottenham’s current squad includes former United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
The Red Bulls previously hosted overseas sides including Brazil’s Santos, England’s Manchester City and Italy’s Juventus at Red Bull Arena.
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