WATERLOO - Portuguese giant Sporting Lisbon will take on K-W United FC in a friendly match at Kitchener's Budd Park on July 17.

Some 6,000 temporary bleachers will be erected for the game, said United president Barry MacLean, who hopes Waterloo Region's Portuguese community will pack the stands to see one of Portugal's most storied clubs. Sporting has won 18 Portuguese championships and a European championship in its 100-plus years of existence and has developed world-class talents like Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"This is a coup for our (Professional Development League) club and the region. K-W has never hosted a team of the calibre of Sporting and we are excited to have the opportunity to compete with such a skilful and quality soccer club," he said.

Sporting will hold its pre-season training at Alliston's Nottawasaga Inn and will field its first team for a pair of exhibition matches against teams in Southern Ontario.

Tickets for the 6:30 p.m. clash at Budd Park are $50 and available at www.kwunitedfc.com and Ticketmaster. Sporting will also play Uruguayan champions Penarol at Toronto's BMO Field on July 21.