As was reported by the Brotherly Game last week, the Philadelphia Union and Everton FC will play in an international friendly on 7/20/2011 at PPL Park.

At the surface there isn't much of a connection between the two sides, with no former Everton player on the Union and no former Union player on Everton. However, Union CEO Nick Sackiewicz has a history with former New York/New Jersey Metro Star, and current Everton goalkeeper, Tim Howard. He told EvertonFC.com:

"Nick Sakiewicz brought me through the ranks when I was younger."

An interesting add-on for season ticket holders is that they will all be invited to the Everton practice on Tuesday, July 19.

Everton currently sits in seventh place in the English Premier League, but will most likely not play in Europe next season because of what has been an odd year for cup winners in England. The Merseyside club will be traveling to the United States to play DC United as well, which the team announced as its first stop on its American tour.

For more on Everton, visit SB Nation's Everton blog, Royal Blue Mersey.