HARRISON, NJ–
The New York Red Bulls will participate in the 2011 edition of the Emirates Cup, an international competition held at the Emirates Stadium in London, England, from July 30-31. In addition to the Red Bulls, storied English side and host Arsenal FC, legendary French club Paris Saint-Germain and Argentine powerhouse Club Atlético Boca Juniors will participate.
The Red Bulls will be the first MLS club in history to participate in the tournament, with New York Designated Player and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry returning to take on his former club, where he was the team’s all-time leading goalscorer with 226 goals.
The 2011 Emirates Cup kicks off at 9:00AM ET on Saturday, July 30 with the Red Bulls facing Paris Saint-Germain followed by Arsenal taking on Boca Juniors at 11:20AM ET. On Sunday, July 31, Paris Saint-Germain faces Boca Juniors at 9:00AM ET, while Henry and the Red Bulls square off against Arsenal at 11:20AM ET.
"We are honored with Arsenal's invitation to participate in this year's Emirates Cup," said Erik Soler, the Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director. "Our club is looking forward to representing Major League Soccer in this high profile international tournament."
Teams will be awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw. The competition also rewards attacking play, with teams being awarded one point for each goal they score. In addition, shots on target will be counted and will be used to decide the tournament winners if teams are level on points and goal difference. The winning team will be presented with the Emirates Cup trophy after the second match on July 31.
"We would like to thank James Grant Sports Management for their help with this project." added Soler.
Arsenal Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis said: “We’re delighted and proud to once again be hosting the Emirates Cup this summer. Over the previous four years, the Emirates Cup has proved to be an overwhelming success and a thoroughly enjoyable weekend of football.
“Nearly half a million supporters have now come to Emirates Stadium to attend the Emirates Cup in the four years, and the tournament is now recognised around the world as a prestigious pre-season event.
“New York Red Bulls, Boca Juniors and Paris Saint-Germain are three clubs with great players and huge followings, and they are sure to make Emirates Cup 2011 a hugely exciting weekend of football. Also, I’m sure all Arsenal fans will be looking forward to welcoming back Thierry Henry – a true Arsenal legend.”
For more information on the 2011 Emirates Cup and further developments regarding the Emirates Cup 2011 and the Red Bull participation in the tournament, please visit newyorkredbulls.com and Arsenal.com.
2011 Emirates Cup match schedule:
Saturday July 30th
New York Red Bulls v Paris Saint-Germain (9:00AM ET/ 2:00PM London Time)
Arsenal v Boca Juniors (11:20AM ET/ 4:20PM London Time)
Sunday July 31st
Boca Juniors v Paris Saint-Germain (9:00AM ET/ 2:00PM London Time)
Arsenal v New York Red Bulls (11:20AM ET/ 4:20PM London Time)
Emirates Cup Information
Previous Tournament participants and winners:
2007 Participants: Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia, Inter Milan
2007 Winner: Arsenal
2008 Participants: Arsenal, Juventus, Real Madrid, Hamburg SV
2008 Winner: Hamburg SV
2009 Participants: Arsenal, Rangers, Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain
2009 Winner: Arsenal
2010 Participants: Arsenal, Celtic, Olympique Lyonnais, AC Milan
2010 Winner: Arsenal
