Paris Saint-Germain vs. D.C. United: United Fights For Draw On National Stage

Here's what stood from Saturday's two big international club friendlies in the Baltimore/Washington area.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. D.C. United: Dwayne De Rosario's Penalty Holds PSG To 1-1 Draw

D.C. United weren't given much of a chance in the game Saturday night, but held on to secure a 1-1 draw against mighty PSG. After giving up a goal in the third minute to new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, United responded by keeping up the pressure and not going into a defensive shell.

After a questionable missed handball call earlier in the half, United were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute. Dwayne DeRosario converted the penalty for what would be the only other goal of the game. However, both teams would have more than a few chances on goal.

United's backup GK Joe Willis came on for Bill Hamid in the 71st minute, and survived a late flurry of attempts on goal by PSG. A few world-class saves later, and United avoided giving up a goal at the eleventh hour -- or stoppage time.

The game was delayed for 45 minutes due to lightning in the first half.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. D.C. United: United Give Up Early Goal, Brave Elements And Enter The Half With A Draw

D.C. United welcomed free-spending Ligue 1 runner-up Paris Saint-Germain to RFK on a hot and humid Saturday night with the ink barely dry on new signee Zlatan Ibrahimovic's contract. And lo and behold, the Swede already has a goal under his belt for his new team.

Just two minutes and eleven seconds into the match, Ibrahimovic opened up the scoring with a beautiful move to create some space and slot a shot past United GK Bill Hamid.

United didn't back down after surrendering the early goal and kept up the pressure until the players were pulled off the pitch in the 23rd minute due to lightning in the area. United had a few solid chances before the game was suspended, including a phenomenal give-and-go from Dwayne DeRosario to Chris Pontius that resulted in a shot off the crossbar.

United would tie the game up after a Milan Bisevac handball in the penalty area in the 32nd minute. De Rosario stepped up to the penalty spot and converted to the game at the half.

Stay tuned for second half updates.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. D.C. United: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Scores Early, Game Delayed Due To Lightning

D.C. United welcomed free-spending Ligue 1 runner-up Paris Saint-Germain to RFK on a hot and humid Saturday night with the ink barely dry on new signee Zlatan Ibrahimovic's contract. And lo and behold, the Swede already has a goal under his belt for his new team.

Just two minutes and eleven seconds into the match, Ibrahimovic opened up the scoring with a beautiful move to create some space and slot a shot past United GK Bill Hamid.

United didn't back down after surrendering the early goal and kept up the pressure until the players were pulled off the pitch in the 23rd minute due to lightning in the area. United had a few solid chances before the game was suspended, including a phenomenal give-and-go from Dwayne DeRosario to Chris Pontius that resulted in a shot off the crossbar.

We are awaiting official word from D.C. United on when the game will resume, and whenever we get the info we will pass it along. Stay tuned.

UPDATE: Game will resume at 8:45 pm

Paris Saint-Germain Vs. D.C. United: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

D.C. United, struggling recently in MLS play, will host a friendly on Saturday at RFK Stadium against Paris Saint-Germain and new striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

United have lost three of their past four contests, and is now in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, five points behind the first place New York Red Bulls. This recent malaise means DCU head man Ben Olsen will play his regular starters more than he would in other friendlies, when younger players often get more time and lineup combinations are tinkered with.

In addition to Ibrahimovic, Paris Saint-Germain also bought Brazilian defender Thiago Silva from AC Milan this summer, and signed Argentinian Ezequiel Lavezzi from Napoli and Marco Verrati from Pescara before beginning their American tour.

Here is what you need to know for Saturday's match:

Game Day/Time: Saturday, July 28, 7:30 p.m. EST

Location: RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

Television Coverage: Fox Soccer Channel, tape delay, 10:00 p.m. EST

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

D.C. United Vs. Paris Saint-Germain: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Will Make PSG Debut In Friendly Saturday

As Paris Saint-Germain manager Carlo Ancelotti hoped he would earlier this week, Sweden international striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will make his debut for the French giants in Saturday night's friendly match at RFK Stadium.

PSG's official Twitter account confirmed the news and the word was relayed on D.C. United's own feed.

Ibra to wear no. 18. RT @PSG_inside: Ancelotti a annoncé que Ibrahimovic débutera le match contre DC United et jouera ce match avec le N' 18

— D.C. United (@dcunited) July 27, 2012

Ibrahimovic has scored 222 goals in 355 appearances for club and country since his senior professional debut in 1999. However, he is not the first big name to debut for a new club at RFK Stadium. Ronaldinho made his Barcelona debut in a 2003 friendly against AC Milan there, while David Beckham made his first appearance for the Los Angeles Galaxy on East Capitol Street in 2007.

Saturday's game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and will be seen on tape delay on Fox Soccer Channel at 10:30 p.m.

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

Paris Saint-Germain Vs. D.C. United: Carlo Ancelotti Hopes Zlatan Ibrahimovic Will Make PSG Debut Saturday

In a conference call Tuesday, Paris Saint-Germain manager Carlo Ancelotti said that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would play "40-45 minutes" if he was passed fit for Saturday's friendly against D.C. United. The former Chelsea, AC Milan, and Juventus manager said that the Swedish international striker had arrived in the U.S. Tuesday and was expected to join the French club for training at Princeton University.

PSG, who played to a 1-1 draw against Chelsea Sunday at Yankee Stadium, stunned the soccer world earlier this summer by buying Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva from AC Milan. A busy summer of Italian shopping has since continued for the French giants, who also signed Argentinian Ezequiel Lavezzi from Napoli and Marco Verrati from Pescara before embarking on their American tour.

Saturday's match, which kicks off at 7:30 at RFK Stadium, will be broadcast on tape delay on Fox Soccer Channel at 10:00 p.m.

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

Paris Saint-Germain Sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva Ahead Of D.C. United Friendly

D.C. United may have to worry about two new players in the July 28 friendly against Paris Saint-Germain. The team announced that they have signed striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden and center-back Thiago Silva of Brazil have both signed with the French soccer club.

Ibrahimovic's contract will be for 13 million euros per year, the equivalent of $16 million U.S. and Silva's contract will be for 14 million euros per year, about $17 million U.S. Both players had been on A.C. Milan most recently. Ibrahimovic will be introduced in a press conference on Wednesday along with midfielder Marco Verratti.

The United certainly hope that they will be able to deal with those players in the friendly in a couple of weeks. Those that still want to get information on tickets, just check out the D.C. United website or call 202-587-5000.

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

D.C. United To Play Paris Saint-Germain At RFK Stadium On July 28

D.C. United has found a replacement for Juventus for their game in the Herbalife World Football Challenge. The Black and Red will play host to Paris Saint-Germain of French Ligue 1 at RFK Stadium on July 28.

The French team finished second this season with a record of 23-5-10, qualifying for the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League group stage. Their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has been in charge of teams such as A.C. Milan, Chelsea FC and Juventus. One of their most notable players is Argentinian Javier Pastore, nicknamed 'El Flaco', winner of the 2010 Serie A Young Footballer of the Year. In 33 games with PSG, he has scored 13 goals.

The ticketing situation, addressing those that have season tickets or had tickets to the originally scheduled game against Jueventus, was brought up in the press release announcing the game.

D.C. United Season Ticket Holders possessing Special Game 1 tickets remain set. There is no need to exchange tickets and refunds against these passes are not available. Season Ticket Holders may also purchase additional priority tickets by calling D.C. United customer service. Patrons holding paid tickets to D.C. United vs. Juventus, originally scheduled for July 28, do not need to exchange, as those tickets will also provide entry to the PSG match. However, exchange of these tickets for reprinted ones with proper opponent, date and time are available via the outlet of original purchase. Refunds for these tickets are also available at the outlet of original purchase.

People can purchase tickets to the game by visiting the official team website or calling 202-587-5000.

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

D.C. United-Juventus Friendly Officially Off, United Looking For Another Opponent

The Herbalife World Football Challenge may have one less matchup on its schedule. Jueventus FC has officially pulled out of the July 28 match, leaving their opponents, D.C. United, scrambling to find a new opponent.

The United officially released a statement confirming that Jueventus has pulled out of the matchup, but that negotiations are underway for a replacement team.

We've received word that Juventus FC will no longer be playing in Washington, D.C. While we're disappointed with the news, D.C. United is already in discussions with another, major European team to fill that date and will share opponent and ticketing details as a deal is finalized.

The question has to be at this time is what team can the United get under such short notice. Though they say that they are in negotiations with another team, how will Jueventus' sudden exit effect negotiations for the new matchup?

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For more on Juventus, visit Black & White & Read All Over. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

Juventus Could Cancel U.S. Tour, Including D.C. United Match, According To Report

D.C. United are currently set to play against Italian soccer team Juventus on July 28 in Washington. However, it seems possible that the match may not even occur now. Juventus is considering canceling their match with D.C. United and their entire U.S. tour, according to a report by Football-Italia.com.

Antonio Conte has reportedly asked Juventus officials to reconsider taking the club to America this pre-season. With the Bianconeri now confirmed as having to travel to Beijing in the second week of August for the Supercoppa Italiana clash with Napoli, Mediaset allege that Conte is concerned for the toll it take on his players when combined with their pre-season commitments.

With the team now needing to take a trip to China, Conte would like the club to reconsider their trip across the world to play friendlies with North American teams.

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For more on Juventus, visit Black & White & Read All Over. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

D.C. United Vs. Juventus Finalized For RFK On July 28

The D.C. United announced on Monday the official details of the team's friendly matchup with 2011-2012 Italian Serie A champion Juventus FC. The 28-time Serie A champs will visit the nation's capital on July 28 for a matchup with the Black-and-Red at RFK Stadium.

D.C. United president Kevin Payne hailed the opportunity. Via the official release from the United:

"Juventus is the most storied club in Italian soccer history, winning the league championship a record 28 times," said D.C. United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "As the all-time leader in MLS Cup championships, it will be an honor for us to play against Juve. This match affords fans of D.C. United and international soccer an opportunity to see a terrific match right here in DC, and we hope all of our fans will come out to show their support for top-level soccer in the Nation's Capital."

Founded in 1897, Juventus FC is the oldest football club in Italy. The current roster features a number of household names among the sport's fans, including 2006 FIFA World Cup champions Alessandro Del Piero, Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo.

The matchup between the United and Juventus FC is scheduled for July 28, at 6:00 p.m. The game is included in season ticket holder packages, and individual tickets are now on sale through TicketMaster or directly from the United, which fans can reach by calling 202-587-5000.

Ticket prices are as follows:
Group (15+) & advance sale prices
Endline - $30
Sideline - $38
Midfield - $46
Mezzanine - $58
Club - $75

Day of match prices
Endline - $35
Sideline - $45
Midfield - $55
Mezzanine - $65
Club - $85

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For more on Juventus, visit Black & White & Read All Over. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

D.C. United Vs. Juventus Finalized For RFK On July 28, According To Report

There was roughly a month of uncertainty and rumor surrounding a possible matchup between the D.C. United and Italian club Juventus, but the game has finally been finalized according to a report by Steven Goff of the Washington Post.

D.C. United and Juventus, Italian soccer's most storied club, have finalized plans to play a July 28 friendly at RFK Stadium. A formal announcement is expected this week.

Juventus just finished up winning their 28th Serie A title two weeks ago and finished up with the league's first undefeated season (23-0-15) in the Italy's top division of professional soccer for the first time since AC Milan did it back in 1992.

The game will take place at RFK stadium on July 28 at 6 p.m. ET and tickets will go on sale on Monday.

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For more on Juventus, visit Black & White & Read All Over. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

D.C. United Vs. Juventus Friendly Nearly Finalized For RFK On July 28

After a month of back-and-forth, it appears D.C. United will play Juventus in a friendly on July 28th at RFK Stadium, according to Steven Goff of The Washington Post. Ticketmaster has posted the event on their website, with the start time set for 8:00 p.m. ET at the venerable stadium on East Capitol.

Initial reports indicated that D.C. United and Juventus would be part of a doubleheader at FedEx Field in Landover, with Chelsea and A.C. Milan playing a friendly in the other game. But the Redskins were unable nail it down and finalize those plans, so Chelsea and A.C. Milan moved to Miami while D.C. United will play at home at RFK. Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur will also play on that same day at 1 p.m. just up the road in Baltimore at M&T Bank Stadium.

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For more on Juventus, visit Black & White & Read All Over. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

Chelsea Vs. AC Milan Match Moved To Miami July 28

The prospect of a soccer doubleheader at FedEx Field has officially gone by the boards. According to MLS' official website, the match between Chelsea and AC Milan, which had been tentatively scheduled to take place at the Redskins' home, will instead be played at SunLife Stadium in Miami July 28.

Initial plans were for the two European giants to play each other in one game of a doubleheader that would also include D.C. United and a "major Italian club," believed to be newly crowned Serie A champions Juventus. On Thursday, Steven Goff of the Washington Post reported that the planned doubleheader was in "severe jeopardy," and raised the possibility that United's friendly could be moved to RFK Stadium.

Up the road in Baltimore, Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur will play a friendly match at M&T Bank Stadium on the same day. That match is scheduled for 1 p.m.

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For more on Juventus, visit Black & White & Read All Over. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

Planned July D.C. United Friendly Could Be Moved To RFK Stadium, According To Report

D.C. United were previously scheduled to play a July friendly against Juventus FC as part of a doubleheader with a Chelsea - AC Milan friendly, but that doubleheader appears to be in jeopardy. Steven Goff of The Washington Post is reporting that logistical issues could prevent the doubleheader from happening, and that if D.C. United and Juventus do play a friendly this summer, the match could be moved to RFK Stadium.

According to the sources, who requested anonymity because they weren't authoritzed to discuss the doubleheader negotiations, there was no single reason for the failure to finalize a FedEx Field deal. Rather, "there were just too many moving parts to make it work," one source said.

Goff also stated that the Redskins did not immediately return a call for comment, while D.C. United said that they are unwilling to comment on potential friendly opponents.

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For more on Juventus, visit Black & White & Read All Over. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

D.C. United To Play At FedEx Field July 28, Juventus Possible Opponent

July 28 is going to be an embarrassment of riches for soccer fans in the DMV. Not only are Chelsea and AC Milan playing at FedEx Field, not only are Liverpool and Tottenham playing just up the road at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, but D.C. United is getting into the act as well.

The Redskins have confirmed a report by Steven Goff of The Washington Post that FedEx Field will host an international soccer doubleheader featuring Chelsea, AC Milan, D.C. United, and an unnamed European club.

From Goff's initial report:

D.C. United will play a major Italian club July 28 at FedEx Field in the first match of a doubleheader that is also expected to feature Chelsea against AC Milan, multiple sources close to the negotiations said Monday.

[snip]

The identity of United's opponent wasn't made available to the Insider. However, sources ruled out Roma (which is on a U.S. tour around that time) and perennial power Inter Milan. That would leave Juventus, the most fabled Italian club with 27 league titles, as the top candidate.

Juventus, based in the northern Italian city of Turin, has not won a Serie A title since 2003; their 2005 and 2006 titles were stripped as the result of a match-fixing scandal. The club has also won the UEFA Champions League twice (1985 and 1996) and been runners-up five other times.

With eight games left in the current Serie A season, Juventus are two points behind AC Milan in the race for the Italian championship, or Scudetto.

D.C. United are no stranger to hosting European clubs. In 2011, the club hosted Dutch giants Ajax, as well as English side Everton. The Black-And-Red have also played AC Milan, Portsmouth, and Real Madrid in the recent past.

For more on D.C. United, visit Black And Red United. For more on Juventus, visit Black & White & Read All Over. For the latest on the beautiful game, visit SB Nation's soccer hub.

Chelsea Vs. AC Milan To Play July 28 At FedEx Field, According To Report

How long has it been since Chelsea has played at the home of the Washington Redskins?