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Former England internationals Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are in line to make their debuts for LA Galaxy and New York City FC respectively this week.
The pair’s highly anticipated moves to the States have already sparked a flurry of publicity, but American fans have only been able to welcome the stars from the stands thus far.
Gerrard was officially unveiled to a sold out StubHub centre on Independence Day, and endeared himself to the ‘Galaxians’ after purchasing beer for the club’s supporter groups, as he watched his new side thrash Toronto FC 4-0 courtesy of a Robbie Keane hat trick.
The victory moved LA Galaxy to within a point of Western Conference leaders Seattle Sounders FC, but the Hollywood outfit has played two games more than their rivals.
The 34-year-old’s debut has been pencilled in for LA Galaxy’s home clash against Mexico’s Club America in the International Champions Cup on July 11, which is set to be shown live on Sky Sports.
Gerrard’s first MLS appearance is expected to be a week later on July 17 when the ex-Liverpool skipper will face San Jose Earthquakes.
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Meanwhile, Lampard has started training with his new team mates, including former Barcelona former David Villa, and is in line to appear in New York City’s clash MLS fixture versus Toronto FC a the Yankee Stadium on 12 July, which British viewers can also see on Sky Sports.
The newly formed franchise are languishing in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, five points off the bottom but just four adrift of second place, and will be hopeful that the 37-year-old’s presence will improve their collective form.
The top six from both the Eastern and Western Conferences qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs, which is a post-season knock out tournament that will decide who is crowned champions.
