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Villa cross the Atlantic for summer tour
Apr 11 2007
By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail
VILLA are set to follow David Beckham into North American soccer this summer with two matches against Major League Soccer opposition.
They will play Canadian side Toronto FC and Ohio-based Columbus Crew in the final week of July as owner Randy Lerner seeks to put Villa in the shop window across the Atlantic.
His right-hand man, General Charles Krulak, said: "We are in negotiations with Toronto and Columbus Crew. The exact days are not set but we think it will be in the end of July."
Manager Martin O'Neill is keen for his squad to be tested against decent opposition.
However, their participation could be affected by a possible Fair Play entry into the preliminary rounds of the UEFA Cup based on them standing top of the current table as England's entry.
Toronto were only formed last year and are coached by former Rangers, Celtic and Everton striker Mo Johnston, who made the switch from Red Bull New York.
O'Neill said: "There are still still a few things to put together but we should soon have the plans.
"We fly out on July 22 and come back on the 30th. It is a quick week, a couple of games over there. It is pretty well certain, although one or two things still need to be ironed out.
"We are playing two games. We thought about staying and maybe playing a third and I would say there is a really good chance of it happening."
Toronto are the only non-US team to play in MLS and include former Wolves and Sunderland midfielder Carl Robinson.
