Union to play Aston Villa at PPL Park

Chester, Pa. – The Philadelphia Union today announced the team will host English Premier League club Aston Villa on Wednesday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m. EST at PPL Park.

The match, featuring U.S. internationals Brad Guzan and Eric Lichaj and English internationals Emilie Heskey and Darren Bent, is included in the Union full season ticket package at no additional cost.  One of the oldest and most successful clubs in England, Aston Villa has won the FA Cup and First Division Championship seven times.

“It’s our ongoing commitment to bring world-class international competition to Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “We are very proud to host Aston Villa in what will be a challenge for our club and a treat for our fans. We’re also thrilled that this match will be a wonderful precursor to the 2012 MLS All-Star Game and its surrounding festivities.  This will certainly be an amazing week for not only our fans and PPL Park but also for cities of Chester and Philadelphia.”

Forward Danny Mwanga spent 10 days training with Aston Villa at the end of January prior to joining Union preseason in Florida in early February.