Real Madrid expected to give MLS stars intense match

   Veteran goalkeeper Tim Howard says top North American club players should expect cut-throat competition from Spanish giants Real Madrid in Wednesday’s Major League Soccer All-Star Game.

   The All-Star match at Soldier Field, home of the NFL’s Chicago Bears, marks the end of a four-match, 11-day pre-season US tour for Real Madrid that included a 3-2 loss to rival Barcelona in a Clasico matchup at Miami.

   But Howard expects Real Madrid to bring their best as they prepare for the upcoming La Liga campaign.

   The All-Stars feature plenty of heavyweights with marquee match experience, including World Cup winners Bastian Schweinsteiger, David Villa and Kaka.

   Orlando City’s Brazilian star Kaka, who helped Real Madrid to the 2011-12 La Liga title, said facing his former team will be a very emotional experience.