The last time Everton was in Salt Lake City, things didn't go so well.
In the midst of its preseason tour in the United States, Everton lost to Real Salt Lake at Rice-Eccles Stadium 2-0.
"It was a shock to us, we were truly beaten that night," said Everton's Philip Neville.
This week Everton gets an opportunity to make amends. The English Premier League club will be the opponent for the MLS All-Stars this Wednesday at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Neville said this time around Everton will be better prepared, particularly for the reality of the heat and the elevation in Utah.
Everton kicks off its 2009-2010 English Premier League campaign on Aug. 15 when its hosts Arsenal. The club's build-up toward that opener included a 1-0 loss against Argentina's River Plate in Edmonton.
Because the season is rapidly approaching, Neville said Wednesday's match is extremely important.
"It's very important now. We only have two weeks until the season starts, so in terms of fitness exercises, it's vitally important we play top-class competition," said Neville at a press conference Monday previewing the All-Star Game.
Everton manager David Moyes said his club will get that by playing the MLS All-Stars.
"They have a lot of good players, they'll give us a good test, but we'll give them a good test as well," said Moyes.
Everton will train today at the Park City Sports Complex from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The practice is open to the public.
e-mail: jedward@desnews.com