Official: RFK to host USMNT vs. New Zealand friendly

UPDATE: This friendly has now been officially announced by U.S. Soccer. The match will kick off at 8:00 p.m. and be televised by one of the ESPN networks.

On October 11th, the United States men’s national team will reportedly take the field against New Zealand at RFK Stadium in Washington DC. TV details along with kick off times for the Tuesday night match will be released later this week according to the Washington Post. A deal with USSF and local authorities was signed several weeks ago, without naming an opponent.

You might recall that back on August 1st there was a rumor that the next opponent for the USMNT would be on that date. That deal fell through, as the Black Stars have a World Cup Qualifier 8 days before the scheduled date against Uganda. Ghana was the United States first choice for the friendly, but because of the schedule/travel conflict the USMNT had to search for another opponent. The Black Stars filed a travel waiver with FIFA. It was declined.

Enter New Zealand.

This friendly will be in the Fall International window (Oct. 8th-11th). Klinnsman will have have his pick of players as European, Mexican, and the domestic leagues will all be in full swing. Though, as far as MLS is concerned, there are important matches scheduled during or right after the window closes.

Could that cause a problem? Who knows.

Here are the matches scheduled: Colorado at Houston (Oct 8th), Houston at Seattle (Oct. 12th), Columbus at Chicago (Oct 13th), San Jose at Colorado (13th)

World Cup Qualifiers are just a short four weeks later.

The United States men have played 23 home matches at RFK. The last time they played there was last year against Peru, a friendly they won 2-1.

New Zealand Notes

- Ranked 93rd In the World

- Last qualified for the World Cup in 2010

- OFC Nations Cup Champions

- Competing In the 2017 Confederations Cup