Union to play Celtic F.C. at PPL Park

Philadelphia Union's ongoing commitment to bring top notch international competition continues and today the Union have announced that they will take on Celtic F.C. on Wednesday, July 14 at PPL Park in Chester, Pa.

The match will replace the previously scheduled game against Valencia C.F. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.

"The Celtic F.C. match will replace the previously announced agreement with Valencia C.F.," said Philadelphia Union President Tom Veit. "Unfortunately that game will not be played this year. Valencia and their appointed promoter have backed out of the agreement that was reached with the Union and other MLS teams."

Winners of 34 Scottish Cups and 42 League Championships, Celtic F.C. come with a winning pedigree over the course of their 122-year history. Finishing in second place in the Scottish Premier League, Celtic boast some of the top talent in the world including Irish National Team star Aiden McGeady.

"Celtic has consistently been one of Europe's top teams and we are very excited to round out our summer internationals with another one of Europe's best," said Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. "We are proud to treat our fans to such a high level of international football and expect a tremendous atmosphere for this match at PPL Park."

Chester is the first of three stops on the Hoops' United States tour, which also includes a match against Manchester United in Toronto on July 16th and at the Seattle Sounders on July 18th.

"Celtic Football Club has enjoyed many successful visits to the United States and we are sure that our match in Philadelphia will be another great occasion," commented Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell.  "We know Philadelphia Union is a fantastic club and is also drawing some great opposition in the form of Manchester United, so I am sure Union supporters will have some fantastic matches to look forward to this summer.

"We are a club which enjoys a magnificent backing worldwide and we are in the fortunate position of having many supporters across America.  We are looking forward very much to meeting Philadelphia Union and hope on this visit to make many more new friends in the United States."