Aleksandar Kolarov expects tough game against Sporting Kansas City

Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov has admitted that MLS soccer will have received a boost after the United States' display at the World Cup finals in Brazil.

Jurgen Klinsmann's side were edged out in the second round by Belgium, but ahead of City's pre-season fixture with Sporting Kansas City, Kolarov has acknowledged that the national team's performance could motivate their opponents on Thursday.

The 28-year-old told reporters: "The United States had a very good World Cup with a lot of players from the MLS so we know that soccer over here in America is growing quickly.

"Tomorrow, we expect a very tough game, and we are in different moments of the season, but we represent the champions of England so we have to do our best job."

The match will represent Manchester City's third pre-season fixture after they played two games in Scotland earlier this month.