Chicago plans soccer bash with international players

The city of Chicago decided to invite some significant international soccer clubs to a party this summer, and you're invited to the bash.

The first Chicago Trophy, a four-team soccer tourney, takes place at Soldier Field today and Sunday. The tournament features top club teams from Italy, Spain, Poland and Mexico.

Sevilla FC of Spain, Wisla Krakow of Poland, Club Deportivo Toluca of Mexico and Italy's Reggina Calcio will participate in this year's event. Each team will play two games, with three points going for a win, one point for a tie, and bonus points for goals scored.

The sponsors, Platinum One, chose Chicago to host the tourney because of its diverse cultural population. In addition to filling the city's late-July event calendar and drawing spectators to the Field Museum-Soldier Field area, Chicago officials want to use the event as part of its promotional pitch for the 2016 Olympics.

Organizers have tried to make it affordable by offering one-day tickets to both games on the same day. Tickets for Friday and Sunday are available for $45, $65 and $80 per day.

For a closer look at the teams, turn to Sports.