MLS teams no match financially for 'friendly' foes

"We don't put too much into what happens. It's a team that's worth hundreds of millions of dollars vs. a team that's worth maybe $10 or 15 [million] at the most. In the world of soccer, that's a massive difference and you expect them to win . . . We're not playing against Cristiano Ronaldo or Kaka in our league. We take it for what it is."

- Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan after a 4-1 loss to Real Madrid

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IN THE GRAND scheme, it's hard to disagree with Landon Donovan.

Even though his remarks may have been made with some animosity after Los Angeles was thoroughly handled by Real Madrid - which plays the Union in 3 days time at Lincoln Financial Field - there is some truth that expecting MLS players to be dominant against the world's elite is a daunting request.

Like expecting Reading to knock off the Phillies with Roy Halladay on the mound.

Or Adirondack to stand toe-to-toe with the Flyers' first line.

Like Little Mac trying to KO Mike Tyson in "Punchout."

It could happen, but it takes a lot to remove the realm of unlikely.

The Union open its two-game slate of international club friendlies tonight against Everton FC, a mid-to-top-of-the-table club in the English Premier League, featuring world class players like forward Tim Cahill, defender Phil Jagielka and goalkeeper Tim Howard, a former MLS player brokered to English giant Manchester United for $4.2 million by none other than current Union CEO and managing partner Nick Sakiewicz during his time as general manager of the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. Howard, a New Brunswick, N.J., native, did not travel with Everton and will not be available for tonight's match.

To put it into perspective, many of these European and South American players taking part in the World Football Challenge, this summer's blockbuster North American tour, are individually worth more that the collective salaries of an MLS franchise.

Tonight's game is not a part of WFC, but it will be David trying to slay Goliath. But when it comes to these big-time names coming into the region, many players and coaches agree that it's less about the win and more about relishing the experience.

"I'm excited to be a part of this and it's going to be a lot of fun," said Union defender Sheanon Williams. "Everton and Real are two world-class clubs and the chance to play against them is an honor. It'll really give us a chance to see where we stack up among some of the world's best."

But the question that remains is just how much of a nuisance can these matches become, especially during the middle of an MLS campaign in which the Union is trying to remain top dog in the East, while for the Euroclubs these games are essentially million-dollar preseason scrimmages?

"It's not always ideal with these friendlies when you are trying to focus on the league and stay ahead of the pack, but this is a chance to play against some of the best players in the world," said midfielder Justin Mapp. "Also, this helps to get some of the younger guys some experience. I am just looking forward to having some fun with it and hopefully we'll put on a good showing."

Since the WFC opened on July 13, a total of 143,058 fans have gone to events in New England, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver. That's an average of 35,765 per event. The 2011 WFC is bigger than its inaugural version in 2009 and features 13 clubs from seven countries playing in 14 cities across the U.S. and Canada.

As of now, there are a limited number of tickets left for the Everton match, a non-WFC event. And a source revealed that ticket sales "are north of 40,000" purchased for Real Madrid.

The bottom line?

Win or lose - big names draw big crowds for soccer. The more elite teams decide to come here, the more the American game gains respect and grows in popularity.

Even if it still pales by comparison.

AGENDA

What: International club friendly

Who: Everton FC vs. Union

When: Tonight, 7:30

Where: PPL Park, Chester

TV: Comcast SportsNet

For kicks: U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard, also Everton's No. 1, will not be in attendance; it's expected that backup Jan Mucha will be his replacement . . . Everton has been training at the Eagles' NovaCare complex this week and held an open practice session at PPL Park yesterday . . . The under-18 team of the Union's youth academy will take on Everton's at PPL Park prior to the main event. Game time for the academy match is 4 p.m.