Toronto FC announces Benfica and Aston Villa to play at BMO Field

Announcement

Toronto FC announces Benfica and Aston Villa to play at BMO Field

Posted by Rob Anderson on May 07 2007 at 05:00PM PDT

Toronto FC announced Monday, that two world-renowned football clubs will be making their debut at BMO Field playing in two different International Friendlies against Toronto FC. Wednesday May 23, Benfica will kick off against TFC.

The Portuguese club based in Lisbon was founded in 1908 and remains one of the big three clubs in Portugal. Benfica has the biggest fan base and the largest number of registered associates among Portuguese clubs, also having the largest number of supporters outside of its own country numbering 12 million worldwide.

Currently sitting third in the SuperLiga, they are managed by Fernando Santos and boast big name players such as Nuno Gomes, Rui Costa and Simao. "We are ecstatic to bring one of the most recognizable clubs in Portugal to Toronto", said Toronto FC Director of Team Operations Paul Beirne. "We are aware of the number of supporters Benfica has outside of Portugal, and we know a lot of them are right here in our city, making this a perfect fit for Toronto FC."

On Wednesday July 25, Aston Villa will visit BMO Field. Villa is one of the most oldest and storied football clubs in England. Founding members of the Football League in 1888 and a member of the Premier League since 1992, Aston Villa will prepare for their 2007-08 Premiership season with a stop in Toronto. "Obviously, anytime you can bring a Premiership team to North America, it is a major event. We couldn't be happier to host Aston Villa and we hope our fans will be just as pleased," said Beirne. "Toronto FC is committed to bringing in quality international teams, and we know both Villa, and Benfica fit that bill."

Lead by Manager Martin O'Neill, Aston Villa currently sits 11th in the Premiership and have numerous honours to their credit. European Cup Winners in 1982, European Super Cup Winners in 1982-83, InterToto Cup Winners in 2001, and they boast seven FA Cup titles.

Villa features international talent such as Thomas Sorensen, Gareth Barry, and Olof Mellberg.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Saturday May 12, when the BMO Field Box Office will open at 9 am. Following that, tickets can be purchased on-line at www.ticketmaster.ca beginning at noon.