



Crystal Palace Football Club have now confirmed details of our USA pre-season tour so we can now take a closer look at the three teams the Eagles will come up against during their Stateside stay.



COLUMBUS CREW Founded: 1994 Nickname: The Crew Stadium: Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio Capacity: 20,145

The Crew, who are currently managed by former Palace defender Gregg Berhalter, were one of the league's founder members when it began life in 1994.

They've won five major honours since then, including the 2008 MLS Cup and the 2002 US Open Cup, but could only finish 16th in the 2013 season.

Berhalter's first season in the role has started well, and they currently sit a place above Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference with three wins and four draws this season.

Their captain is current America international Michael Parkhurst, who has won 25 caps for the national side.

A number of recognisable faces have turned out for the club during their 20-year existence, including ex-Palace striker Stern John, Tottenham Hotspur keeper Brad Friedel and former Fulham striker Brian McBride.



PHILADELPHIA UNION Founded: 2008 Nickname: The U, Zolos Stadium: PPL Park, Chester, Pennsylvania Capacity: 18,500

The club are currently in their fifth season in the MLS, and finished the last campaign in 14th position out of the 19 clubs competing in the league.

They've hosted friendlies with Manchester United, Everton, Aston Villa and Stoke City over the past four years, beating the Toffees 1-0 in 2011.

Currently captained by former USA international Brian Carroll, the U once again sit in mid-table having won two and drawn five of their opening 12 games this campaign, and sit seventh in the Eastern Conference.

They currently have Stoke midfielder Maurice Edu on loan, and count ex-Manchester United midfielder Kleberson and Freddy Adu among their alumni.

RICHMOND KICKERS Founded: 1993 Nickname: Kickers Stadium: City Stadium, Richmond, Virginia Capacity: 22,000

Richmond currently ply their trade in the third tier of American soccer and have done since 2006.

Last season saw them top the league, but they lost out in the play-offs to the Charlotte Eagles, although they did win the US Open Cup in 1995.

The Kickers currently sit third in the USL Professional Division, although they have games in hand over second-placed LA Galaxy II.

Their league schedule also sees them pit their wits against the Wilmington Hammerheads, whom Glenn Murray used to play for.



