Why in the United States?

I have been wondering for quite a while, mainly after Barcelona announced, with MLS, that they would be playing a 3 match series in the United States over the summer, preparing for their new La Liga season. They will be playing in Los Angeles, Houston and New York. All of the tickets for these matches are being sold through MLS's local clubs in these cities, the LA Galaxy, the Houston Dynamo, and Red Bull New York. They only problem with this situation is that Barcelona will only be playing one MLS club, RBNY. They seem to be playing Chivas (not Chivas USA) in LA and some other Mexican club in Houston. Yet this was a partnership with MLS...so why the Mexican clubs?

My big question is why European clubs travel to the United States, which has a Premire level football league, yet they still seem to rather play Mexican clubs in the US. If they feel that the Mexican clubs offer better compatition (which they might), why not just go to Mexico City to play PUMAS or Club America?

Here is a list of friendly matches that involve MLS/USL/European Clubs/Mexican Clubs that I could find.

- Barcelona vs. Chivas in LA
- Barcelona vs. Random Mexican Club in Houston
- Barcelona vs. RBNY in NYC
- Bayern Munich vs. RBNY in NYC
- Everton vs. Columbus Crew in Columbus
- Everton vs. Club America in Frisco, TX (Pizza Hut Park)
- Crystal Palace vs. Virginia Beach Mariners in Virginia Beach, VA
- Club America vs. Chivas USA in LA
- Chelsea vs. MLS All Stars in Chicago, Ill.

I have been reading that DC United is about 98% finished scheduling a match against Scottish Champion Celtic for July 12th at RFK Stadium and that the chance to also host Liverpool is at 50-50.

One question I do have is why the foreign clubs are playing these MLS sides? Wouldn't MLS want to have its stronger sides take on forgien clubs? A match between the New England Revolution and Liverpool would probably be a very good match, assuming the Revs were in mid-season form. FC Dallas vs. Roma sounds like an entertaing match as well. Houston vs. Barcelona would be a great game, assuming everyone is healthy. So why Chivas, Columbus and RBNY? RBNY is simply because of Red bull owning the club and most likely it was their name that has brought the other clubs in for the matches.

I have no problem with Club America traveling north to play Chivas USA. It is something that in all honesty, e should have regularly schedule for all the MLS clubs. They should always have 3 matches a season scheduled against Mexican clubs. that is just my opinion, but one that could build on what Garber & Co. are trying to get started with the Mexican 1st Division.

So, if anyone knows of any other friendlys taking place or in the works, let me know and I will update this list as I get any new ones.