The 10 Best Places to See Soccer This Summer Across the U.S. and Canada
The 2018 FIFA World Cup is just a couple of weeks away! If you can’t make it to Russia to watch the tournament live, here are 10 of our favorite places across the U.S. and Canada where you can see professional soccer teams in action this summer.
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Portland, OR
One of North America’s most vibrant fan bases resides in the north end of Providence Park with the Timbers Army cheering on their beloved Portland Timbers. The stadium is widely accessible from public transit, an easy car share like ReachNow, or even by bike. A Timbers match is also a great anchor point for a weekend in the Rose City with everything from excellent food to world-class outdoor recreation at your doorstep.
Vancouver
The Whitecaps have the luxury of playing amongst one of the most picturesque settings in North America right in the middle of Downtown Vancouver. The stadium is near several major entertainment districts and offers several great hotel options including The Douglas. A weekend in Vancouver isn’t complete without a quick drive to Richmond to enjoy authentic Asian foods or a springtime stroll through Stanley Park on the north side of Downtown.
Manchester City vs. Liverpool – East Rutherford, NJ – July 25
The International Champions Cup (ICC) returns to the U.S. this summer with a veritable who’s who of the world’s best clubs. While matches will be played all over the country, this is a fixture alive with recent history. The teams traded matches during the regular season with the Merseyside club getting the best of City over two legs in a Champions League Quarterfinal. It’s also a great excuse to check out MLS action over the weekend as the New York Red Bulls have a match in nearby Harrison.
ICC Women’s Tournament – Miami – July 27-29
For the first time, the ICC is hosting a women’s tournament with a training camp in Portland followed by a quick tournament in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium. It’s an opportunity to see some of the world’s best female soccer players from teams including Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and North Carolina Courage. In South Beach, the COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach is a great starting point to the city’s eclectic art and nightlife, while EAST, Miami puts you in the middle of the excitement in the rapidly growing Brickell neighborhood downtown.
Atlanta
Although Atlanta does have history in the lower tiers of American soccer, Atlanta United FC is a fairly new MLS franchise, but is already enjoying major success. Throngs of fans head for the city’s NFL stadium to cheer on their nascent, but beloved club. The Atlanta Marriott Marquis is nearby and recently underwent an inventive renovation.
Cincinnati
America’s second tier has some captivating teams as well including FC Cincinnati, which plays in the United Soccer League (USL). They routinely draw more than 20,000 fans, further solidifying their chances of becoming an MLS expansion team in the years to come. It’s a rowdy environment and the team is typically among the league leaders.
Nashville and Chattanooga
Who would have thought that within two hours driving in The Volunteer State that you can see two up-and-coming clubs? Nashville SC’s first season is in full swing, while Chattanooga FC’s play in the lower tiers makes for an interesting add-on to a weekend between the two cities.
Montréal
While the Impact have had mixed success since entering MLS from USL in 2012, the city they call home makes for an excellent weekend up north. Saputo Stadium is situated in Montréal’s Olympic Park, offering the chance to revisit other sporting histories while you’re there. You’re also a short drive from "Le Plateau," which is a bustling neighborhood of trendy bars, restaurants and boutiques.
Los Angeles
Major League Soccer’s newest club, Los Angeles FC, also has a shiny new stadium to show off just minutes from Downtown L.A. The $350 million, 22,000-seat beauty is easily accessible by train too. It’s also a great time to explore the growing downtown core and developing east side neighborhoods around a weekend match.
Manchester United vs. Liverpool – Ann Arbor – July 28
Another huge match in the ICC series is between Manchester United and Liverpool. This marquee fixture is a continuation of this storied English rivalry at the massive Michigan Stadium. The clash between these teams is sure to bring some noise to the typically quiet Ann Arbor summer. You’ll also be able to enjoy a serene walk around campus and town as most students are gone during this time of year.