If you’re trying to explain the popularity of Bayern Munich, Germany’s top soccer club, by evoking America’s pre-eminent baseball team, Kevin Ross says you have things backward.
“The Yankees are like the Bayern [of America],” said the U.S. Soccer manager for Adidas, an official partner of the team. “Soccer is the global game. Baseball is not.”
Bayern Munich will face Manchester United at 3 p.m. Sunday at Soldier Field as part of the ChampionsWorld Series. A near-capacity crowd is expected for the only Chicago stop on the tour. Eight of Europe’s top soccer clubs will play 11 exhibition games in North America through Aug. 3.
Germany’s top club is known in its homeland as FC Hollywood because its players enjoy movie-star-like fame.
Since its origin in 1900, Bayern has won numerous titles, including the World Club Cup twice and the European Cup four times. It has won the Bundesliga (German league) 17 times and the German Cup 10 times.
Bayern Munich will enjoy an advantage of experience over its English foe Sunday. The team will field most of its regular starting lineup for the match, including legendary goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.
“Against Manchester it’s no friendly game, big games and always tradition and always high speed, and fighting spirit,” Kahn said. “I think we will see a game on a high standard.”
United has three players on holiday after the Euro Cup, including Ruud van Nistlerooy and rising star Ronaldo. Several others are out with injuries. Arlington Heights native Jonathon Spector is expected to see playing time.
Besides the struggle on the field, Bayern Munich and Manchester United will be competing for an increased foothold in the America market as European soccer attempts to attract American fans.
Pete Knezic, director of coaching for FC Milwaukee, brought a group of more than 40 youth players to a Bayern autograph session that drew more than 100 people Friday in Chicago.
“The younger kids in this day and age watch all the leagues around the world,” said Knezic, himself a lifelong fan of Bayern. “They’re aware of these players more than most people think. I know a lot of them were really excited to come down.”
Kahn had a pen in hand and the undivided attention of FC Milwaukee’s under-18 girls team goalie Lindsey Boldt.
“He has this competitive spirit about him,” the 17-year-old from Wauwatosa, Wis., said of Kahn. “I’ve seen him make so many amazing saves. You have to look up to somebody who can do it day in and day out.”
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