Miller Park treated to world-class soccer
MILWAUKEE -- For the second straight year, the Brewers and Miller Park played host to an international soccer friendly, and for the second straight year, Milwaukee soccer fans filled the seats.
Atlas Futbol Club of Mexican Liga MX and Newcastle United Football Club of the English Premier League played on a transformed Miller Park field Tuesday in front of a crowd of 21,256. The infield dirt and pitching mound were covered with temporary turf, while one goal was positioned in deep left field and the other near first base. The Mexican side ultimately prevailed, 2-1.
"Everything was excellent," Club Atlas manager Gustavo Matosas said of playing at Miller Park. "The field was excellent. The people who work here were spectacular."
Atlas forward Gonzalo Bergessio opened the scoring on a cool evening in the 11th minute after a sliding Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle took him down in the box. Bergessio would get to his feet and net the awarded penalty.
Six minutes later, the 30-year old Argentinian, who signed with the club in June, was at it again. Bergessio managed to get behind Newcastle's defense and scored a volleyed goal off a perfect pass from midfielder Cristian Tabó.
"It was very important that he made those goals," Matosas said of Bergessio's first two goals with the club. "It will give him confidence moving forward."
Newcastle's only goal came just before the halftime whistle. The attacking duo of Papiss Cissé and Moussa Sissoko worked to beat Atlas' defense in the 45th minute, with the Frenchman Sissoko finishing a pass from the forward.
The second half offered no scoring and limited chances from either club, but the event was once again a success.
"It was unusual," Newcastle manager Steve McClaren said of playing on a Major League Baseball field. "But [the atmosphere] was great. The fans were tremendous."
Based out of Guadalajara, Club Atlas finished fourth last season in the Liga MX and has been a consistent member of the top Mexican division. Newcastle was founded in 1892 and plays in the Barclays Premier League, one of the most talented club leagues in world soccer.