It's Official: RBNY-Lyon at Red Bull Arena

As tweeted by the New York Times' Jack Bell and posted about here last week, the Red Bulls and Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais will face off in a friendly July 16.

Nothing shocking in the official announcement, just statements from Jerome de Bontin and Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas...

"We are proud to host Olympique Lyonnais at Red Bull Arena," said Red Bulls General Manager Jérôme de Bontin. "Lyon has a storied history in France and has featured a number of top international players, including our own Juninho and Peguy Luyindula, while playing a distinct brand of soccer. They have been an example to many European clubs of how to build a solid soccer organization over many years, with a strong vision and goals that are reflected by their consistent success and seven-straight Lique 1 championships. We look forward to welcoming Lyon and expect a very entertaining match at Red Bull Arena that will please Red Bulls fans and soccer enthusiasts across the tri-state area."

"I have such a fantastic memory of winning the LFP Champions Trophy in July 2012 at Red Bull Arena, which perfectly launched our season. Since then, regularly speaking with Gérard Houllier, I knew we would soon be back and I immediately responded when it was proposed that we play against the New York Red Bulls this summer," said Olympique Lyonnais President Jean-Michel Aulas. "Through our international brand building program, being hosted by the Red Bulls proves to be a symbolic landmark. We are very proud to have been the New York Red Bulls' choice for this exciting exhibition game next July."

Tickets go on sale next Tuesday (June 18) to the general public. Season ticket holders have the game included in their plans.

Again, an EPL or Serie A side would probably be a bigger pull, but bringing Lyon over at least has the Juninho/Peguy Luyindula storyline. We'll find out soon enough how big a pull that will be for the too-good-for-MLS crowd.