Carles Puyol


11-time Mexican Primera Division champions Chivas


Columbus Crew
2008 MLS Cup winners


Lionel Messi


Chris Wondolowski once
more an Earthquake


Thierry Henry

Frankie Hejduk

The San Jose Earthquakes will host a fabulous international soccer doubleheader on Saturday, Aug. 8. The Quakes face 2008 MLS Cup winners, Columbus Crew, at 5:30 p.m. at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, home of the 49ers. The second game that evening at 8 p.m. features 2009 UEFA Champions League titlists FC Barcelona vs. Chivas Club Deportivo Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s legendary teams. Read More...

The match will mark Barça’s first visit ever to the Bay Area. Barça and Chivas have played twice before in the United States with Barça posting a win and a tie. Newly-signed Swedish striker Zoltan Ibrahimovic has joined Barça in a deal with Inter Milan.

"We are excited to host the ’Night of Champions’ with the two-time MLS Cup Champion Earthquakes, the reigning MLS Cup Champion Crew, FC Barcelona, who won the Champions League this year, and Chivas, who have 11 Mexican league titles," said Earthquakes Executive Vice President David Alioto. "We are constantly working to bring big soccer events to Northern California and this doubleheader is a perfect example of that. With two great matches and the world-class talent that will be on display, it really will be a magical night."

Barça, the Spanish giant, have won 19 La Liga trophies, a record-setting 25 Copa del Rey championships and three UEFA Champions League titles, including this year when they recently defeated defending champions Manchester United. FC Barcelona intends on bringing its heralded roster of international superstars that includes Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi, Rafael Marquez, Xavi, Carles Puyol, Thierry Henry and Andres Iniesta.

The club just finished their treble winning season. They won all three of their major com