While the end gain of three points is the same in all 34 regular season Major League Soccer matches, there are a few games that seem to carry a little more weight.
That’s the case for Frank Lampard when New York City FC faces the LA Galaxy Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
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Yes, it’s a showdown of two of the top teams in both conferences from both coasts, but much of the pregame storyline surrounds Lampard facing Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole, longtime teammates and opponents through his illustrious career.
While all three were English teammates, Lampard and Cole were part of some classic Chelsea teams, while of course Gerrard was the face of Liverpool for many years.
“I’m going to try and see Ash and Stevie at the hotel,” Lampard said. “I’ve got a couple of Chelsea friends over from London as well for the game. We might go and see them if I have the chance. But we’re focused. We’re friends, but in the buildup to games I like to keep my head down and Ashley is the same. If they stay over after the game then maybe we’ll share a dinner or a beer afterwards.”
Lampard, who has nine goals in his last 10 matches, is particularly close with Cole, part of a Chelsea legends group that remains tight to this day.
“We’re all in touch still, myself, Ashley, Didier, John Terry and Petr Cech,” Lampard said. “We’re very close knit, all of us. It will be a pleasure again to play against Ashley. I played against and with him before. For me, the best left back England has ever produced and the best left back in the world for a quite a consistent period.”
Lampard said he understands the extra hype on this anticipated match that will be important for both teams’ playoff hopes.
“I think it carries a bit more and good. I’m sure it does for both teams,” Lampard said. “We’re big franchises, both of us, big players, there will maybe extra media attention and a big crowd on the day. The basic is three points for both of us, we’re both fighting in difference conferences. Of course there’s pride between players and when you’re playing against another big franchise you want to win.”
And if there’s a bit of bragging rights as well, even better.
