The Sounders FC will host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, July 14, 2014 at CenturyLink Field.
Team Name: Tottenham Hotspur FC
Founded: 1882
Home Stadium: White Hart Lane, London
Nickname: Spurs, The Lilywhites
League: Barclay’s Premier League
Rival Club: Arsenal (North London Derby)
Manager: Tim Sherwood
Captain: Michael Dawson
Club Honors: First Division (2, 1950-51, 1960-61); FA Cup (8, 1901, 1921, 1961, 1967, 1981, 1982, 1991); League Cup (4, 1971, 1973, 1999, 2008); UEFA Cup (2, 1978, 1984)
Current Season: Tottenham has experienced a rocky start to the 2013/14 Premier League season and is currently in 7th place. Earlier in December the club decided to part ways with manager André Villas-Boas after a 5-0 loss to Liverpool at home. It is also still alive in the Europa League where it will face Russian side Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in the Round of 32 beginning in February.
Key Players
Hugo Lloris, goalkeeper: The 27-year old French No.1 is at the heart of the Spurs team and is considered by many to be one of the world’s premier goalkeeper. Known for his reflexes and excellent anticipation, Lloris figures to lead this Tottenham side for years to come.
Paulinho, midfielder: In his first season with the London club, the Brazilian playmaker is a power in the middle of the park. Dominant on the ball and aggressive at going forward, he has proved quite the handful for Premier League opposition so far this year.
Roberto Soldado, forward: Another of Tottenham’s fresh faces, the 28-year-old Spanish striker hasn’t netted the high amount of goals some had hoped he would yet this year but his prowess in the area is hard to match.
Top Young Player
Kyle Walker, defender: At only 23, Walker has burst onto the scene over the last few seasons and made not only the club’s right back spot his own, but the English national team’s place as well. Powerful and quick down the flank, he’s equally adept at attacking as well as defending.
American Connection
Brad Friedel, goalkeeper: Veteran American goalkeeper Brad Friedel has been with Tottenham since 2011, having made 50 appearances for the club since joining from Aston Villa. Now Lloris’ backup, Fridel remains a vital part of the team given his nearly 20 seasons of professional experience. He’s also been capped by the U.S. Men’s National Team on 82 occasions.
Trivia
Current U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann played for Tottenham on two separate occasions (1994-95/1997-98) and was his first and only English club during his illustrious career.
Former striker Gary Lineker (1989-1992), England’s second all-time leading goalscorer signed for Spurs after a stint with FC Barcelona in the late 80s.
15 players have played for both Tottenham and arch-rival Arsenal in the clubs long histories, including former Spurs captain Sol Campbell.
