Barcelona to play 2 friendlies in United States

BARCELONA, Spain (AP)  Barcelona said it will play two friendlies in the United States against Mexican clubs Chivas and Club America in August.

Barcelona said the dates were announced by Major League Soccer on Monday, with Barcelona playing Chivas in Miami on Aug. 3 and Club America three days later at Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

"For Barcelona, these games are not just important for generating revenue, but also for getting closer to our fans and growing our brand," Barcelona president Sandro Rosell said on a conference call.

The games will come after Barcelona plays Manchester United on Maryland on July 30— a replay of the Champions League final set for May 28 in London.

Barcelona is on course to win its third straight Spanish league title this season.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.