Legendary English midfielders, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, will face off for the first time in MLS and potentially for the last time in their careers.
With the match-up between New York City FC and the LA Galaxy set to take place on Saturday, August 20th, the two legends will meet on the pitch once again. Legendary English midfielders, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, are set to renew their rivalry but this time in MLS play. This will be their first meeting in MLS and it may also be the last time they face-off in their careers.
Gerrard said that “When that whistle goes and for 90 minutes we’re competing against each other, it’s war. We fight against each other, we always have.” (Telegraph.co.uk)
This could be the last meeting in the storied rivalry between the two EPL legends as they are each nearing the end of their careers. Gerrard’s contract with the Galaxy will expire at the end of the season and he has already hinted at retirement. Lampard’s contract will also end at the end of the 2016 season and it is unclear if he will continue his career.
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Star players will litter the pitch as both teams have two of the most talent laden squads in MLS. New York City FC feature Andrea Pirlo, David Villa, and Frank Lampard in their Starting XI. While the Los Angeles Galaxy squad has the likes of Ashley Cole, Robbie Keane, Giovani dos Santos, Gyasi Zardes, and Nigel de Jong playing alongside Steven Gerrard.
The former England teammates are each at the top of their game in Major League Soccer as they go to “war” for possibly the final time. They each have a storied rivalry after countless matches between the two in England’s Barclays Premier League. It would be something special if the final episode between the two legends finishes in MLS.
Lampard and Gerrard are both leading their current club to incredible campaigns in the 2016 MLS season. Gerrard, who is 36, has 11 assists on the year is currently tied for second best in the league. Lampard, who is 38, turned things around by scoring nine goals in his last 10 games after fighting off multiple injuries to start the season.
Steven Gerrard spent his whole professional career (1998-2015) with Liverpool before making the move to MLS with the Galaxy in 2015. He even spent his youth career which started in 1987 with Liverpool. In his short time in the United States’ top flight, he has made a huge impact on not only the Galaxy but the league as a whole.
Frank Lampard has played for multiple teams across England including West Ham United, Swansea City, and Manchester City but his most notable stint was with Chelsea (2001-2014). Although his start in Major League Soccer was a bit rocky to say the least, he has bounced back to become a crowd favorite in New York.
The last time these two legends faced off, it was back in 2014 in the Premier League. Gerrard had one of the most infamous plays in recent history when he slipped and lost his team the match. That defeat also handed Manchester City and Lampard the league title.
This match features a combined two World Cups and six Champions League Titles. Even with all of the great players on the field for this match, expect Gerrard and Lampard to lead the way for their respective clubs. It is sure to be one of the best MLS games this season.
This historic match between two all-time greats will be magnified by the importance of the game as both teams are having successful seasons. Both the LA Galaxy and NYCFC will be looking for a vital three points in this one. The first meeting between Gerrard and Lampard in MLS may be remembered as the final game in their rivalry.