clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Ready For The 'Reto Del Sol?'

One of Major League Soccer's most well-known teams hits the grass at Chase Field Thursday night in a friendly match.

HARRISON NJ - JULY 10:  A Red Bull supporter looks on during the game between the New York Red Bulls and the D.C. United on July 10 2010 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for New York Red Bulls)
HARRISON NJ - JULY 10: A Red Bull supporter looks on during the game between the New York Red Bulls and the D.C. United on July 10 2010 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for New York Red Bulls)
Getty Images for New York Red Bu

Soccer dominates the scene in downtown Phoenix Thursday night with the Red Bull Reto Del Sol match between the --who else -- New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer and Pumas UNAM, or some Pumas team associated with that club, kicking off at 8:20 or thereabouts.

The way we understood it and reported it, the Red Bulls were to face UNAM's second-division team, PUMAS Morelos, also of Mexico. UNAM, or Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, is a top-flight club in the nation.

UPDATE: Indeed, the first team from the Mexico City area is here, with 10 of 11 starters listed on the club website. Bonus!

Fans who come out can expect to see two international stars suited up for NY, defender Rafa Marquez and striker Thierry Henry. New York played in the Desert Diamond Cup Wednesday night in Tucson but seems likely to use some front-line players Thursday, says this story.

It's the big city, a good walk-up crowd is expected, Marquez is a Mexican national with a lot of fans in Phoenix and beyond in the U.S., and so why not play the big names?

SB Nation Arizona will have a recap of the match after its conclusion. The Red Bulls have been to the Valley twice in the past two years, having played Atlas of Mexico in this game last March in Glendale.