Everton to play MLS side DC United in pre-season friendly

Old habits die-hard and David Moyes' preference for taking Everton to the US for pre-season has returned with the club announcing details of a July friendly against DC United.

The game will take place on Saturday, July 23 at RFK Stadium, kicking off at 7:30pm. It will be the first-ever meeting between the sides and present Washington based football (soccer) fans the chance to see US star Tim Howard in action as well as the rest of the mighty Blues squad.

Taken from United's official website United President & CEO Kevin Payne said:

"D.C. United takes pride in measuring our club against the best clubs worldwide. In Everton, we have yet another world-class opponent visiting RFK Stadium. Our respect for their organization is deep and we look forward to hosting them this summer."

Howard also expressed his excitment at returning to the US:

"I’m really looking forward to playing at RFK again. It’s a stadium I know well and D.C. United is a club I know well. They’ve been successful in the States over the years and it will be great to play against them with Everton."

"It will be an important part of our preseason preparation and it will be the type of tough test that we want. I know the Head Coach, Ben Olsen, very well of course, having played alongside him so many times for the National Team and he was a great player who I am sure will be a terrific coach for D.C. There’s a lot of football to be played here in the Premier League but I’m already looking forward to playing my pals at D.C. United."

And David Moyes:

"We’re looking forward to going back to America. We’ve been a few times now and the facilities are always first-class. We’ve not yet been to Washington as a club so we’re really looking forward to the game against D.C. United. It will be one of our first games of the summer and it’s good that it will be against quality opposition. RFK is a terrific stadium and I am sure we’ll all enjoy the experience."

More details including ticket information can be found at both DC United's and Everton's websites.

This is obviously exciting news for US based Toffee fans and anyone who is planning on going to the game, attending fan events or going to watch them train do get in touch as your thoughts and experiences will make a great set of blogs. It is also an ideal time to check out SBNation's DC United blog Black And Red United who we will no doubt collaborate with ahead of the big game.

I'm guessing there will be at least one more match in the US confirmed so keep checking RBM for updates.

For once it will be me who will be waking up at silly times to watch the match online!