Major League Soccer Unveils Latin American Advisory Board

July 17, 2007 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release

NEW YORK (Monday, July 16, 2007) - Major League Soccer announced today the formation of the MLS Latin American Advisory Board (LAAB), a diverse cross-section of individuals from the Latin American community committed to the growth of MLS and the sport in the United States. The board, which represents MLS' continued dedication to the Latin American community, will hold their first meeting at this week's Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game in Denver, Colorado.

The members of the LAAB vary from former World Cup players, coaches, media personalities and prominent members of the Latin American business landscape, who together form a diverse membership of key figures from the nation's Latin American community. The members of the LAAB range from former World Cup Star Teófilo Cubillas, Univision TV personality Fernando Fiore and Chivas USA player and Mexican legend Claudio Suárez.

"It is no secret that much of the growth of Major League Soccer and soccer in the United States relies on our continued connection with the growing Latin American community," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "We are excited to have such an amazing cross section of key figures from the Hispanic community as part of the Latin American Advisory Board. Together they will offer a wide-range of expertise and insight that will undoubtedly allow us to continue engaging the Latin American community with MLS."

The board will look to disseminate targeted information as well as acting as a sounding board for the Latin American community. Upon receiving feedback, the board will advise MLS and its teams on the best practices in order to engage the Latin American public. Organized by World Cup veteran and current MLS Fan Development manager, Wilmer Cabrera, the LAAB is made up of key members of the Latin American community who live in the United States and are involved in soccer at a high level. The appointments are not permanent but rather are from a minimum of one to a maximum of three year terms.

In addition to quarterly conference calls, the group will meet each year at the Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game and MLS Cup. The board will vote on a chairman during the upcoming 2007 MLS All-Star Game meeting to be held the morning of Thursday, July 19 at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Denver,

Below are the biographies of the members of the Latin American Advisory Board.

Marcelo Balboa

One of the top players in the history of American soccer, Balboa is a veteran of three FIFA World Cups and played 15 years professionally in both the United States and México. The defender, of Argentine descent, is currently a broadcaster on HDNet in the United States. Balboa is a member of the National Soccer Hal of Fame.

Ernesto Bruce

A native of Chile, Bruce is the mananger of adidas America as well as adidas MLS.

Fernando Clavijo

Although born in Uruguay, Clavijo moved to the United States at age 22 to play professional soccer. He went on to play for the United States national team at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The current head coach and director of player personnel of the Colorado Rapids, he was an assistant coach on the 1998 Nigeria World Cup. Clavijo is a member of the National Soccer Hal of Fame.

Carlos Hector Cordoba

"Cacho" Cordoba played 11 years of professional soccer with the legendary Argentine club Boca Juniors as well as five years of professional indoor soccer in the United States. He also coached FC Dallas and the Miami Fusion and is now the Technical Director for Mequon United Soccer.

Teófilo Cubillas

Considered the greatest Peruvian soccer player of all time, Teófilo "Nene" Cubillas played in three World Cups and was named one of the greatest 100 players of all time by FIFA in 2006. Cubillas moved to the United States in 1979 and went on to play five seasons in the North American Soccer League. He currently resides in South Florida.

Fernando Fiore

He is considered one of the most popular personalities on Spanish language television as the host and director of Univision's incredibly popular Republica Deportiva. The Argentina native has anchored both the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and 2006 for Univision and has won three Emmy Awards.

Monica Gonzalez

Born and raised in Texas to Mexican parents, González followed a successful career at Notre Dame by becoming the Mexican women's national team's captain. Gonzalez, who played three seasons in the Women's United Soccer Association with the Boston Breakers, is active in promoting soccer opportunities for young women in both the United States and México.

Roberto Lopez

The Argentine native is a National Staff Coach of Region II and part of the US Soccer National Instructional Coaching Staff following an eleven year professional soccer career.

Juan Carlos Michia

A native of Argentina and renowned for his many discoveries of young talents across the nation, Michia played professionally for 13 years in both Argentina and the United States. He holds a FIFA "A" License.

Rene Miramontes

A native of Los Angeles, Miramontes is a National Staff Coach for Region IV as well as member of the National Instruction Coaching Staff. He served as an assistant head coach for the Colorado Rapids from 1997-2000 and is part of the coaching staff of the U.S. Men's National Para-Olympics team.

Luis Montoya

A native of Peru, Montoya is part of the US Soccer Diversity Committee, the USYSA Start Committee and the President of the Big Apple Youth Soccer League.

Oscar Pareja

The current FC Dallas assistant coach is a native of Colombia and played professionally for more than 20 years, including eight seasons in Major League Soccer with the New England Revolution and FC Dallas.

Nilton Pinheiro da Silva (Batata)

Currently the director of operations for the well-known Chicago club Sockers FC, Batata is a former professional player with more than 800 outdoor games and 400 professional indoor games in Brazil, Mexico and the U.S.

Jorge Ramos

One of the most recognizable voices on Spanish language television, the Uruguay native has more than 27 years of experience as a soccer journalist. His unique style can be heard on Fox Sports en Espanol as well as ESPN Deportes Radio.

Hugo Salcedo

Born in Mexico, Salcedo is the Southern California Youth Soccer Organization President following a playing career that saw him represent the United States at the 1972 Olympics. He is recognized by FIFA as an Instructor and a General Coordinator.

Claudio Suarez

Currently playing for Major League Soccer's Chivas USA, Suarez is considered one of the greatest defenders in the history of Mexican soccer. Suarez has a Mexican record of 178 appearances with the national team, second to all-time according to FIFA, and played in a total of three FIFA World Cups.

About Major League Soccer

Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and features many stars from the U.S. and around the world. The League's 12th season kicked off April 7, 2007. The 13 teams in MLS are: the Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Chivas USA, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy, Red Bull New York, New England Revolution, Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC. For more information about MLS, log on to the League's official web site at www.MLSnet.com .

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