U.S. Major League Soccer's D.C. United will host the English club Tottenham Hotspur Wednesday May 14 in an international friendly match in Washington. The game is the first of what organizers hope will kick off similar international games at the club level.
The winner of the game at RFK Stadium will be presented the Capital Cup. The trophy is being established as part of a plan to match clubs from capital cities worldwide in friendly competition. In the event of a tie after 90 minutes of regulation play, the winner will be determined by a penalty kick shootout.
Former Spurs legend and German international Jurgen Klinsmann will present the Capital Cup to the winning team.
D.C. United last faced the famed North-London team on October 17, 2002, in a fundraising tribute match for past Tottenham players who have since fallen on hard times. That contest marked the first time any American professional team played a full international friendly in the home of a top-flight English side. D.C. United triumphed with a 1-0 victory on a goal scored by guest player Wade Barrett in the 85th minute.
Founded in 1882, Tottenham Hotspur was promoted to the Premier League in 1977-1978 and has remained there since. Home matches have been played at the famous White Hart Lane since 1899. Former England National Team coach Glenn Hoddle manages Tottenham. He played for the Spurs from 1975-1987.
During pre-game festivities, United will honor former team captain and U.S. international team member John Harkes, who will participate in the match as a farewell. He retired last month following an illustrious playing career.
