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Rox and Ken discuss the Florida Cup 2022 and the other friendlies between European clubs and MLS teams.
Charlotte FC vs Chelsea FC
Charlotte FC supporters wore sky-blue kits, while Chelsea supporters wore navy jerseys in a penalty kicks victory for Charlotte (Charlotte FC won 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 tie in regulation) in a game that started about an hour late due to thunderstorms. A number of North Carolina natives who attended the game found themselves cheering against the home team rather than watching their favorite team, which they’d rarely seen play in person.
Minnesota United vs Everton
Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath, a former top-flight striker for the Toffees in the 1980s, saw his team take a 3-0 halftime lead. A penalty kick from Reynoso, an Everton own goal caused by Kemar Lawrence’s cross, and a Luis Amarilla rebound all contributed to a sizable lead inside 36 minutes.
Minnesota piled on the goals in the 77th minute, when Abu Danladi connected on a cross from new fullback Alan Benitez. The Paraguayan defender, who is international teammates with Amarilla, joined the club from Cerro Porteo.
Arsenal FC vs Orlando FC
Arsenal won a hard-fought game against MLS side Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium. The teams exchanged goals in the first half, with Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli scoring in the fifth minute and Orlando’s Facundo Torres equalizing just before the half-hour mark with a nice individual effort.
Mikel Arteta made several substitutions in the second half, including newcomer Gabriel Jesus and USMNT keeper Matt Turner, who replaced Aaron Ramsdale in goal. Eddie Nketiah put Arsenal back in front in the 66th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in front of goal and easily slotting past Orlando’s Pedro Gallese, and Reiss Nelson added a third shortly after.
Barcelona vs Inter Miami
The parking lots at DRV PNK Stadium were filling up, and the FanZone was packed with FC Barcelona fans ecstatic to see their beloved Blaugrana. They were especially excited to see Robert Lewandowski, who signed a $50 million deal with the team.
Lewandowski did not play, but Barcelona fans had plenty to celebrate with a 6-0 victory over their hosts. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raphinha, Ansu Fati, Gavi (who is 17 years old), Memphis Depay, and Ousmane Dembele all scored. Fans said Barcelona’s passing sequences, spacing, and individual talent were even more impressive in person than they were on television.
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