Vancouver to host Man City in World Football Challenge

NEW YORK – Vancouver Whitecaps FC may be new to MLS, but they’re jumping right into international competition. The ‘Caps will host English Premier League side Manchester City at Empire Field on July 18 as part of this summer’s World Football Challenge, Major League Soccer and CAA Sports announced on Thursday.

This marks the fourth announced match of the WFC, which will also enjoy the participation of City’s crosstown rivals Manchester United and FC Barcelona, as well as the New England Revolution and Chicago Fire of MLS.

For Whitecaps midfielder Terry Dunfield, this game will be an extra-special experience. The Vancouver native began his career at age 15 with Manchester City’s youth set-up and played alongside current Citizens winger Shaun Wright-Phillips. Dunfield made one appearance for the senior team in 2001.

Man. City are currently in fourth place in the EPL and boast an all-star roster that includes World Cup stars David Silva (Spain), Patrick Vieira (France), Nigel de Jong (Netherlands), Gareth Barry and Wright-Phillips (England) and brothers Kolo and Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast).

"We are thrilled to be playing an English Premier League club in Manchester City FC at Empire Field,” Whitecaps CEO Paul Barber said in a statement. "As part of this exciting first season in MLS, and as a special thank you for the great support we have received from our fans, we will be inviting all season-ticket holders to join us for the Manchester City match as our guests.”

More participants and matches in the World Football Challenge will be announced in the coming weeks, including more fixtures including Man. City. This match marks Vancouver’s only participation in the exhibition tournament.

Ticket information is available at WorldFootballChallenge.com.

2011 Herbalife World Football Challenge schedule