AC Milan can bite me

The very cool July 25 soccer friendly at CBS between Celtic FC and AC Milan has been thrown for a loop. AC Milan has pulled out of the event. That sucks. This is part of a string of international friendlies being played in the USA, and the only match in this part of the country (most are on the east or west coast). A large Midwest and Canadian contingent of fans were expected, and besides being a really cool thing for soccer fans, this event would bring many thousands of people to Cleveland on a beautiful summer night. In other words, a cancellation would suck for the city. Supposedly the organizers are trying to find another team to play -- Juventus and Barcelona play two days later in Boston so maybe one of those sides will be interested. For now Ticketmaster has suspended sales.

AC Milan will go ahead with 2 other friendlies in the USA which tells me that something is amiss. The promoter is denying there was slow ticket sales, which probably means the exact opposite. Perhaps Cleveland is not the best place for an Italian team to play; certainly Celtic would have been the "home" side. Given the logistical challenges of getting one of the other teams to come to the continent early, it seems likely the whole match will be cancelled. Or if there is a match it will be against a lesser side. Columbus Crew anyone?

UPDATE: No sooner do I post this do I finally see some news. And it's good!!! Don't know who the opponent will be, but it sure sounds promising that Celtic will play somebody in Cleveland on July 25. Let's hope it happens.