SOUNDERS FC: Ljungberg to face two former teammates against Chelsea

Almost every player on Seattle’s roster will be competing against star athletes from Chelsea FC for the first time tomorrow.

That is, except for former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg.

"I played against them a lot of times before in real games,” Ljungberg said. “I think it is great for the young players that have mostly seen them on TV to play against players from the big teams.”

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In fact, Ljungberg has teamed with two current Chelsea starters before. Starting left back Ashley Cole played with Ljungberg from 1999-2006 when both were with Arsenal. Also, Blue's stop scorer last season Nicolas Anelka played with Ljungberg for the 1998-99 season.

Ljungberg is no stranger to the game’s top stage, the English Premier League. In nine years with Arsenal, Ljungberg scored 46 Premier League goals, won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and was a key member of Arsenal’s famous 2004 undefeated side.

Ljungberg sees the friendly matche as a chance for the younger players to learn from the international athletes’ high level of play.

“I think it is going to be a buzz for them and they are going to run their socks off hopefully,” Ljungberg. “It's going to be an experience and hopefully, that will be helpful in the [MLS]. Maybe something that worked in MLS will definitely not work against a top player. Hopefully there will be lessons to be learned."

The game will also be a chance to showcase Qwest Field as a top-flight soccer venue as they roll out the grass for the match. The stadium is reportedly looking to host a World Cup match in 2018 or 2022.

“I mean everybody wants to see a good football game and that's what it is all about,” Ljungberg said. “So hopefully we can fill the stadium and have a great day."

Ljungberg highlights


Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com