KNOW THY ENEMY
Roma is a prominent but perhaps second-tier team in Italy — behind the likes of Juventus, Milan and Internazionale. Roma finished sixth last season in Italy’s Serie A, the top league in that nation’s soccer pyramid. The allure of having Roma square off for the All-Star Game is seeing American Michael Bradley, who is one of the United States’ marquee players (and son of former U.S. head coach Bob Bradley). Bradley briefly played for the New York Metro Stars (the precursor to the New York Red Bulls) before joining a couple of German clubs. Last year, he wound up with Roma, which is probably why Roma is now headed to KC.
ROMA PLAYERS TO WATCH Francesco Totti
This attacking midfielder has played with Roma his entire professional career, dating back to 1993. Totti has at times been a leading player for Italy’s national squad, picking up a World Cup title in 2006.
Pablo Osvaldo
Fans can look to Osvaldo as a likely source for goals in the All-Star Game — if he makes the trip. Roma’s striker racked up 16 goals and led the team in scoring last season. (This is the offseason for European club teams.)
Erik Lamela
If Osvaldo can’t score, look to Argentinian Lamela to pick up the pace. He went toe to toe with Osvaldo during Roma’s last season as the club’s top scorer, only to come up a goal shy, with 15.
Fütbol Club Eatery & Tap
12030 Blue Valley Parkway, Overland Park The walls of Fütbol Club are festooned with soccer regalia in the same way that Applebee’s walls are covered with prefabricated crap. But the food is better than at Applebee’s.
KC soccer fans with long memories might remember De Rossi from Italy’s 2006 World Cup match with the United States. De Rossi caught former U.S. mainstay Brian McBride with a nasty elbow to the head and was tossed from the match. The game ended in a 1–1 tie, a good result for the United States. Since then, De Rossi has been a consistent performer for Roma and a fi xture on the Italian national squad.
WHERE TO WATCH IF YOU DON’T HAVE A TICKET
Martin City Brewing Co.
500 East 135th Street Speaking of getting to places early, stake your claim at this small but popular pub on Martin City’s main strip. It has long been a popular destination for Sporting crowds watching out-of-town matches. It will likely fill up with ticketless All-Star Game fans.
BLISS?
of FUN
8251 Wornall This no-frills bar has all you need: cheap beer and plenty of seats at the bar.
MLS ALL-STAR GAME ACTIVITIES
The Power & Light District is the nexus for off-the-field All-Star activities. Here are the highlights.
Saturday, July 27
10 a.m.–3 p.m. The Legoland Discovery Center at Crown Center hosts All-Star Game activities for the kids, including watching Lego buff Jeremiah Boehr build a plastic-brick All-Star Game logo.
Mom,
DAYCARE $12/Day Can we go? BOARDING $17/Night Please! & GROOMING
MON–FRI: 6:30am–5:45pm • SAT–SUN: 9:30am–3pm
THE POLITICAL CARTOONS OF
BOB BLISS
Exhibit on display until August 31st at the Johnson County Museum
1220 W. 31st Street, Kansas City, MO 64108 816.931.5822 • dogsworldoffun.com
Shawnee Mission Parkway & Lackman Road Shawnee, KS 66217 (913) 715 – 2550 jocomuseum.com
4–5 p.m. The National Soccer Coaches Association of America brings local coaches and players together for “Chalk Talk” to discuss — what else? — soccer. 6–8 p.m. Sporting Kansas City’s last game before the All-Star break is on the road against the Montreal Impact. Stop by the P&L District to watch as SKC tries to avenge a loss earlier in the season. (The Impact left KC with a 2–1 victory.) 8 a.m. Run through downtown KC for the Volkswagen 5k Jersey Run. 3–5 p.m. Catch another viewing party in the P&L: the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup final match. The Gold Cup pits North America’s national team against Central America’s, for bragging rights.
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Monday, July 29
9 p.m. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis take the KC Live Stage in the P&L.
Johnny’s Tavern
1310 Grand Walk into Johnny’s during a Sporting Kansas City or other high-profile soccer match, and you wonder, “How will I ever get a seat?” Arrive early. Bonus: Sporting players are known to frequent Johnny’s, so there’s a chance that you might spot one.
SUBURBAN
Patrick’s Bar & No Grill
Sunday, July 28 Daniele De Rossi
Dogs World
Tuesday, July 30
6:30–7 p.m. Sporting Kansas City defender and fashionista Aurélien Collin talks fashion in the P&L. 8–10:30 p.m. Silversun Pickups play the KC Live Stage. Tickets are free, but you have to fi nd one before the show to get in.
Wednesday, July 31
6–10 p.m. Don’t have a ticket to the big game? Watch from the comfort of the P&L District.
E-mail steve.vockrodt@pitch.com
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