Sunderland will cross the pond to play pre-season games in the United States this summer. The Championship club will play three games in a span of 10 days in July. Sunderland last visited the United States in 2015.
The Black Cats will kick off their next summer tour with a game against San Antonio FC on July 15. They will then head west to face New Mexico United four days later in Albuquerque. Both clubs currently play in the USL Championship. Sunderland will also play one more game before returning to England. Although an opposing club has yet to be announced, the match is set for July 21.
San Antonio finished at the top of the table in the second-tier division for the 2022 season. New Mexico also qualified for the playoffs, but was eliminated from the competition in the first round.
Sunderland sporting director excited about USA pre-season
“We are really excited to bring the team back to the US in the summer of 2023,” said Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman. “It has been a complex planning process over the last 12 months as we wanted to make sure we combined a first-class training program with the opportunity to interact with our overseas fan base.”
“We hope the multi-city approach will allow many fans to get involved with the team and, with announcing our plans well in advance, we also hope to see some familiar faces making the journey from the UK.”
Fans will also be able to attend team training.
The club also revealed that fans will be able to visit training sessions during their stay in the United States. Fans can watch practices and even meet first-team players during this time.
Information on ticket sales will also be announced at a later date. However, Sunderland have expressed interest in allowing current season ticket holders to purchase tickets for the tour during an exclusive pre-sale event.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Action Plus
