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MLS LA Galaxy

Galaxy Announce Asia Tour 2008

January 29, 2008 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, January 29, 2008) - The LA Galaxy have unveiled the schedule for their Asia Tour 2008 presented by Herbalife with matches to be played in Korea and China. The Galaxy will play FC Seoul of the K-League on Saturday, March 1 at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul, Korea. Next, the club will face off against China All-Star Union on Wednesday, March 5 at 7:30 pm at Shanghai Stadium in Shanghai, China.

"We would like to thank our friends at IMG, SEMA and the Bellson Development Group for all of their hard work and dedication in making the Galaxy's Asia Tour 2008 Presented by Herbalife a reality," said Galaxy Assistant General Manager Tom Payne. "Both of these fine nations have a special place in the Galaxy's history based on our past experiences here, and we cannot think of a better time than now to renew these old friendships. These are important games in our club's preparation for the 2008 MLS season and I expect that fans in Seoul and Shanghai will remember the LA Galaxy visiting their cities for a very long time."

In their first game of the tour, the Galaxy will face FC Seoul of the K-League, Korea's top-flight soccer league. The three-time K-League champions finished seventh in the standings in 2007 under the leadership of 2001 UEFA Coach of the Year ªenol Güneº. Like the Galaxy, FC Seoul will be in the midst of their preseason training when the two sides meet at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

This will be the Galaxy's second visit to Korea, having first visited the country in July 2003 for the FIFA Peace Cup. During that tournament, the Galaxy played three experienced international clubs in Nacional of Uruguay (1-1 Draw), TSV 1860 Munchen of Germany (0-0 Draw) and PSV Eindhoven of Holland (4-1 Loss). Additionally, the Galaxy hosted the Korean National Team in February 2006 at The Home Depot Center, losing 3-0.

In their second game of Asia Tour 2008 Presented by Herbalife, the Galaxy will face the China All-Star Union team. In 2001, Los Angeles was on a 10-day international tour of Asia visiting China and Japan. The Galaxy defeated the Chinese National Team, 3-1, on February 21 in China, marking the first time an MLS team has defeated a full national team outside of the United States. The club went on to play two more matches in Japan versus Tokyo Verdy 1969 and the Urawa Red Diamonds.

"This tour is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our brand in a manner that's fun and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle," said Michael O. Johnson, Herbalife chairman and CEO. "We're proud of our association with the LA Galaxy and I know our independent distributors will be out there rooting for them."

The Galaxy will begin their preseason training, their first under new head coach Ruud Gullit, early next month at The Home Depot Center. In mid-February, the Galaxy will head west to Hawaii to take part in the inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship. Following that week-long tournament, the Galaxy will travel to Asia for the next leg of preseason training.

The club opens their 13th season of play on Saturday, March 29 against the Colorado Rapids at 6:30 p.m. (PT) at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. LA will play their home opener five days later on Thursday, April 3 when they host former head coach Frank Yallop and the San Jose Earthquakes at 7:30 p.m. at The Home Depot Center.

The 2008 MLS season is just around the corner and the LA Galaxy are now accepting deposits for the 2008 season. A non-refundable deposit secures your place for each 2008 Galaxy regular season game, plus great benefits including exclusive events with the team, special season seat holder gifts, and much more! Call 1-877-3GALAXY or visit www.lagalaxy.com for more details or to purchase your 2008 Galaxy season seats.

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Major League Soccer Stories from January 29, 2008


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