Match Pictures | Matches: 2024 – 2025
Trivia
- KO: 00:30 UK time, Sunday (7.30pm EDT local time, Saturday in the US); Played at Audi Field (Washington DC, USA); Celtic TV
- Summer Friendlies – USA Tour; Match 1 of 3
- Debut for Sinisalo.
- Debuts also for two unfamiliar faces at full-back – 17-year-old Colby Donovan and 20-year-old Matthew Anderson, who is fresh from an impressive loan spell at Admira Wacker in Austria.
- State of the pitch was a disgrace! As bad as some Scottish pitches in January!
- Four goals scored: O’Riley (x2) – who is set to leave this summer; Mikey J – who many want to leave this summer; Forrest – who just defies the odds!
- Prematch, the travelling squad visited The White House by invitation! But did not meet US President Joe Biden (Democrats), currently in Presidential election campaigning.
- Celtic won 3-1 a “secret” preparation match behind closed doors v Burnley prior to the US tour.
- Viljami Sinisalo: first summer signing after the goalkeeper joined for est £1m fee from Aston Villa.
- Kasper Schmeichel signed on a free transfer after the end of his contact at Anderlecht. Kasper Schmeichel, watched on this match from the stands.
- Celtic youth player Filip Skorb signed his first professional contract, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal.
- Transfers so far this summer:
- In: return of loanees like Lawal, Tilio, Haksabonovic; Viljami Sinisalo (est £1m) from Aston Villa; Kasper Schmeichel on a free from Anderlecht;
- Out: Idah back to Norwich after loan ended; Bernardo back to Benfica after loan ended; Haksabanovic to Malmö (undisclosed); Rocco Vata to Watford (£250k compensation); Tilio sent back on loan to Melbourne City (Australia) for 2024/25; Oh sold to Genk (£4.5m);
- Reports: Atalanta submit formal proposal to sign Matt O’Riley, first derisory bid rejected (16m), second bid just as bad just 18m+3m extras. Leicester City pushing to win race for Matt O’Riley amid rival interest from Atalanta, Everton and Southampton (with Atletico Madrid and Liverpool kept informed). Juventus Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli contacted Celtic to inform them of their interest in Matt O’Riley (report later dismissed). Celtic knock back approach from Russian Premier League side for Reo Hatate before a fee even discussed. Genk & Swansea interest in Oh with Genk making an official offer. Advanced talks to sign ex-Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel on free transfer. Celtic submit £3.5m + addons offer to Benfica for Bernardo. Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha. Finland international Viljami Sinisalo from Aston Villa. Adam Idah was subbed off after just half an hour making his first start of the season for Norwich but will he sign for Celtic? Benji Siegrist travels to Romania with Neil Lennon keen to sign him to his new side Rapid Bucharest. Lot of talk about Jakub Kałuziński to Celtic floating around.
- Ex Celt Morten Weighorst expected to be announced the Denmark manager!
- Ex-Celt Stuart Armstrong, 32, is on trial with Brentford following his exit from Southampton.
- Two goals from Celtic loanee Johnny Kenny helped Shamrock Rovers beat Vikingur Reykjavik 2-1 in Champions League qualifying match.
- Ex-Celtic coach Harry Kewell cut by Yokohama F.Marinos as manager after short tenor.
- Youth coaches: Adam Asghar becomes new u18 Celtic coach (previously Dundee Utd coach) alongside academy operator Chris Hendry.
- Daniel Kelly exit looks likely, and has been sidelined due to the situation. Brendan Rodgers: “There’s no impasse as Daniel, like Rocco, he has been offered a deal which is valued and, with the greatest respect, I have worked with young players and I know the levels of young players and where they’re at from a technical perspective and a financial perspective. Both those boys have been offered deals by the club.”The number of Scottish football clubs in financial distress has fallen dramatically from last year but the industry continues to face challenges from the pressure on fans’ discretionary income.
- Copa America: Alistair Johnston’s Canada came fourth after defeat to Uruguay on penalties in 3rd place playoff match.
- Euros 2024: Final a week ago, Spain defeated England 2-1 in Germany.
- Celtic share price hitting highs. Celtic valued an estimated £250m.
- Snooker: Ray Reardon, absolute legend of the game has passed away. RIP
- League Cup: Hibs ‘hibsed’ it again with another humiliating defeat 1-0 to Kealty Hearts.
- CelticFC, alongside @FoundationCFC , were delighted to take part in the Glasgow 2024 Pride Parade, which took place today, Saturday, July 20
- Hurling: Clare defeat Cork in the All-Ireland final.
Summary
Brendan Rodgers speaks to @CelticTV ahead of DC United match: “We’re stepping up each pre-season game. It’s another step forward in our match fitness.”
TheCelticWay:
Magic Matt O’Riley at the double Anderson impresses Viljami Sinisalo makes debut James Forrest’s career renaissance continues The good, the bad and the ugly from Mikey Johnston
Richie87 of KDS forum:
I thought first half we were very much more controlled and has some great chances their keeper played well.
Second have we did well but a bit stuttery in midfield.
I thought Welsh, O’Reily and Kuhn were good first half
Holm and Forrest in second
Lawel and Johnston were poor and should be punted
Yang had good movement but that last one on one was poor
New keeper needs more work on his distribution with his feet
CM1975 of KDS:
On my way home after attending the game with my family.
Have to say that was probably the most enjoyable friendly I’ve attended, great atmosphere in the Celtic corner.
Not much to add to the player performances, Lawal was much anticipated but in the end was pretty poor.
DC were as poor as their pitch.
I think that ticked all the boxes as as far as Brendan will be concerned.
On a side note, Palma attracted a lot of support today from the Honduran population. Pete will be pleased that almost all had bough a Celtic top and shelled out for his name on the back too.
PaulWilson of KDS:
O’Riley was head and shoulders above the other players on the park.
We really should hold out for £30m given his age and fact he is continually improving.
He has the potential to take his game to another level beside better players at a top-level Champions League side.
DC, on the other hand, looked like a Scottish League One side.
Liked the look of the young full-backs in 1st half, particularly Anderson.
Hopefully they get a game against Man City and Chelsea to get a better idea as it was hard to gauge players given how poor DC were.
Forrest is still our best winger and followed on the form from end of last season.
Mikey Johnston, although he frustrates the hell out of me and was playing as a striker, is a better option than Yang or Kuhn.
Would rather keep him than than either of them.
Lawal doesn’t look sharp enough or have the first touch and awareness necessary to be a midfielder.
He has the physique of a centre-half and that looks his obvious position.
Not really sure why he played in midfield as he was like a fish out of water there.
Enjoyed the game overall and there were a lot of good performances.
Greg Taylor hit a few excellent passes and at one point turned into Franco Baresi as he casually dribbled the ball around the box.
Think that was my highlight.
@cm1967 on twitter: Mikey Johnston scoring a tap in into an empty net but missing a sitter from 6 yards , missing a penalty and launching crosses into the stands Ye’ve seen horses get taken out the back of Ascot for less
Comments from Celtic and DC United supporters…
“I was there. Finally got to see my favorite club play in person. Please come back to the states next year.”
“What an amazing game it was a blessing watching you at this game, the crowd was outstanding.”
“Me and my brother were there to see the match between two of our favorite clubs against each other. I really so high for O’Riley goals. Been the standout player. Really will miss Birnbaum. Been a pleasure watching him on the field for 10 years.”
“It was a great game to watch from the stands, great game Celtic.”
“What a game! Let’s go Celtic!”
“Nice workout for the Bhoys with Kuhn catching the eye in particular.”
“Top pressing lads.”
“I thought it was gonna be a close game? Celtic destroyed DC!! Looking forward to seeing if Man City and Chelsea can do something against Celtic, If Brendan gives the kids a chance in those games it should be close…”
Teams
Celtic:
Subs:
Sinisalo, Kobayashi, Holm, Yang, M. Johnston start the second half!
Turley on for Lawal
Forrest, McGregor, Lawal, Lagerbielke, Ralston, Taylor on for Kühn, Tomoki, Hatate, Welsh, Scales, Donovan
Goals: O’Riley 24 & 31, Johnston 64, Forrest 68
Assists:
DC Utd:
Subs:
Ref:
Att:
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Articles
Matt O’Riley at the double as Celtic beat DC United
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2024/july/21/o-riley-at-the-double-as-celtic-beat-dc-united/
First Team
By Gerry McCulloch in America
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21 Jul 2024, 2:26 am
Pre-season friendly
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Audi Field, Washington DC
DC UNITED… 0
CELTIC… 4
(O’Riley 24 & 31, Johnston 64, Forrest 68)
A first-half double from Matt O’Riley and second half goals from Mikey Johnston and James Forrest sealed a comfortable and impressive 4-0 win against DC United in Celtic’s first game of their US tour.
Despite the evening sun setting, it was extremely humid in Washington DC when the game kicked off, with new signing Kasper Schmeichel watching on from the side-lines, having touched down in the States just hours before kick-off.
Celtic almost took the lead in the seventh minute after good work down the left by Nicolas Kuhn resulted in Luis Palma almost turning in Matt O’Riley’s cross, with Reo Hatate’s spectacular follow-up going wide.
There had been some concerns about the condition of the DC pitch before the match, Scotland’s rugby side having played their American counterparts on it only eight days before, but Celtic were passing the ball about with purpose in the early stages, with the home side chasing the game.
The home side did get their first chance at goal on 11 minutes but substitute Sargi’s shot was well over Scott Bain’s crossbar.
Kyogo then came close to the opener on 16 minutes when he attempted an ambitious left-foot scissors kick inside the box that almost found the back of the net.
The best chance of the match so far then fell to Luis Palma whose curling, right-foot shot from the corner of the box looked to be heading in.
However, DC United goalkeeper Zamudio leapt to fingertip the ball behind for a corner, much to the dismay of the thousands of Celtic fans inside the stadium.
Zamudio was the home hero once again in the 25th minute, somehow touching Kyogo’s goalbound header on to the post.
However, just a minute later Celtic did take the lead with Matt O’Riley prodding home from inside the six-yard box.
Celtic’s Danish midfielder, captain for the evening, then made it a double just after the half-hour mark.
Kyogo had the initial chance but when his shot was saved, it fell nicely into the path of O’Riley who made no mistake from 10 yards with a right-foot volley.
Scott Bain was then called into action at the other end five minutes before half time. Badji had plenty of time to pick his spot, but Bain’s quick reactions prevented the home side from pulling a goal back.
With the break approaching it was Matthew Anderson’s time to have a shot at goal. Picked out perfectly by Luis Palma, the young left back’s shot went narrowly wide of the goalkeeper’s post.
Brendan Rodgers made five changes for the second half, bringing on Kobayashi, Holm, Yang, Johnston and new goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo to replace Anderson, O’Riley, Palma, Kyogo and Bain respectively.
Four minutes into the half and Odin Holm showed great pace down the right-hand side. His ball inside for Mikey Johnston was inch-perfect but Celtic’s number 90 was denied at point-blank range by Zamudio.
And the DC United’s goalkeeper was the hero once again when he saved Reo Hatate’s blistering shot. His hard work between the sticks resulted in cramp, which saw him replaced in the 62nd minute.
Celtic made it 3-0 on 65 minutes when Yang played the ball out wide to James Forrest who had just come on alongside Taylor, McGregor, Lawal, Lagerbielke and Ralston. Forrest showed blistering pace and skill to perfectly set up Johnston who tapped in from two yards out.
And three soon become four, this time through Forrest. Greg Taylor threaded the ball through for Yang who unselfishly laid it off to Forrest to finish.
Yang was impressing down the left and it was his run that resulted in a trip inside the box and a penalty to Celtic on 78 minutes. However, Mikey Johnston’s spot-kick was saved.
DC then brought on their talismanic striker Christian Benteke for the last 10minutes in the hope of a late revival, but it made no difference. Celtic had arrived in the US and instantly made their mark.
Next up, Premier League Champions Manchester City in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Celtic FC Foundation support food provision in Washington DC
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2024/july/20/celtic-fc-foundation-support-food-provision-in-washington-dc/
Club News
By Celtic Football Club
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20 Jul 2024, 4:40 pm
As Celtic get set for the first match of their US pre-season tour against DC United, Celtic FC Foundation are delighted to confirm that donations will be made to three different charitable organisations, one in each of the US Tour locations, to support with the provision of food to the most vulnerable within each place.
The first of these donations will be made to SOME (So Others Might Eat), which is an organisation that has been based in Washington DC since 1970, providing a beacon of hope to those most in need within the capital of the US.
They aim to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness through the provision of a variety of support services.
A donation of $10,000 has been made to SOME and this will assist their youth programme to significantly expand its capacity to provide healthy meals to the vulnerable children it supports, ensuring they have the nutrition necessary for growth and learning.
Celtic’s new goalkeeper, Viljami Sinisalo and Club Ambassador, Roy Aitken, were joined by the Foundation’s Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, as they paid a visit to SOME, to present the donation on Friday afternoon.
Speaking of this, Tony Hamilton said: “We are delighted to be here at SOME to make this contribution towards their incredible work.
“Celtic Football Club is a global brand and the Foundation is committed to also providing support to those most in need within our communities throughout the world.
“We have massive support for the work of Celtic FC Foundation across North America and it’s right that we try to assist in this way.
“SOME’s aims and ethos are very closely aligned to those of the Foundation and the reasons why Celtic exists in the first place, to put food on the table for those who really need it. We hope this donation will assist SOME in challenging poverty in D.C.”
DC United 0-4 Celtic – Captain O’Riley at the Double as Celtic shine in Washington
By Editor 21 July, 2024 No Comments
[DC United 0-4 Celtic – Captain O’Riley at the Double as Celtic shine in Washington]
DC United 0-4 Celtic – Captain O’Riley at the Double as Celtic shine in Washington
WASHINGTON – Celtic kicked off its U.S. preseason tour in fine fashion by earning a 4-0 win over MLS hosts DC United.
Larry Henry Jr, Managing Editor – SBI Soccer reports for The Celtic Star….
Saturday’s captain Matt O’Riley registered a seven-minute brace in the first half before second-half substitutes Mikey Johnston and James Forrest added goals of their own to pad the victory.
Summer signing Viljami Sinisalo played 45 minutes off the bench while several young players featured including 17-year-old Colby Donovan, 20-year-old Matthew Anderson and 21-year-old Dane Murray.
“There’s a lot that I enjoyed about tonight’s performance,” Rodgers said to reporters postmatch. “I thought we were dynamic and technically very good. We knew the pitch was going to be a challenge, but the players saw it firsthand before the match and I was pleased with how they dealt with it.
“We scored four goals and I thought our young players made the most of their chances as well. It was another good exercise for us and now we want to take that into our final two matches of the preseason.”
After owning most of the early possession, Celtic broke through in the 25th minute through O’Riley slotted home from close range. Tomoki Iwata’s cross was not dealt with by the DC United defense, allowing O’Riley to slot home his second goal of the summer schedule.
The 23-year-old doubled Celtic’s lead seven minutes later for his second goal of the first half. Nicolas Kuhn’s over-the-top ball led to Kyogo’s original shot being saved by DC United goalkeeper Luis Zamudio, but O’Riley followed up the play and slotted into an empty net.
Johnston made it 3-0 to Celtic in the 65th minute, tapping home a cross from fellow substitute James Forrest. Forrest drilled a low cross from the right wing into the DC United box that Johnston easily slotted home.
Hyun-Jun Yang, who also entered the match at halftime, set up Celtic’s fourth and final goal of a productive evening. Yang started a two-on-one upfield before slotting a pass to Forrest for a simple tap-in.
Both Sinisalo and Scott Bain received 45 minutes apiece in the match, combining for a two-save clean sheet.
Johnston was denied his chance for a brace late in the second half, watching as DC United’s Nathan Crockford guessed correctly to punch away his penalty-kick opportunity.
Dane Murray, Yuki Kobayashi, Callum McGregor, Bosun Lawal, Greg Taylor, Francis Turley and Odin Holm also received crucial minutes in their build-up to full fitness.
The Hoops continue their preseason tour by facing reigning English Premier League champions Manchester City on 23 July in Chapel Hill, N.C. before closing out their international schedule on 27 July against Chelsea in South Bend, Ind.
“I’m looking forward to two fantastic preparation matches and they are two teams that I know very well,” Rodgers said about the final summer matches.
“We might be a step ahead of them in terms of our schedule, but that shouldn’t really matter.”
