MLS LA Galaxy

Galaxy Announce Former International Midfielder Martin Vasquez as New Assistant Coach

January 7, 2004 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


CARSON, CA (Wednesday, January 7, 2004) - Los Angeles Galaxy Vice-President and General Manager Doug Hamilton announced today that former USA and Mexico international midfielder Martin Vasquez has been hired as the club's new assistant coach effective immediately. A veteran of both MLS and the Mexican First Division, Vasquez has appeared in over 400 league matches, and is a long-time fixture as both a player and a coach in the Southern California soccer scene.

"We are very pleased with the addition of Martin to our coaching staff as he will bring over a decade of experience playing at the local, national and international levels and has the unique distinction of being the only player to play for both the U.S. and Mexico," said Hamilton. "He is an extremely well respected coach, who has worked at every level of the game."

The 40-year-old Vasquez, who holds a U.S. "A" Coaching License, joins the Galaxy following a two year-stint (2001-2002) as the assistant coach under Carlos Juarez with the San Diego Spirit, formerly of the WUSA. From 1999-2000, he spent two seasons at Cal Poly Pomona also as the assistant to Juarez, overseeing both the men and women's programs.

"As a player, I had goals and objectives, and one of my ambitions was always to come and play for the Los Angeles Galaxy, but I never realized that opportunity. However, this game gives you a lot of opportunities and now I have my chance to coach with the Galaxy," said Vasquez. "I believe that I can help this team with my experience and knowledge of the game. I'm excited to begin working with all of the players and being able to impart those little things about the game that I learned during my 18 years of playing and coaching professional soccer. I'm also looking forward to helping the team win another championship."

In three MLS seasons, Vasquez was one of the league's top defensive midfielders and appeared in 87 games (83 starts), recording nine goals and 16 assists for 34 points with the Tampa Bay Mutiny (1996 and 1997) and San Jose Earthquakes (1998). A 1996 MLS Eastern Conference All-Star, Vasquez started in all but one match and tallying five goals and six assists in a standout first season, which lead to Tampa's first Eastern Conference Championship and the best overall record in MLS.

Prior to joining MLS, Vasquez spent eight seasons in the Mexican First Division, appearing in more than 300 games with Tecos Universidad Autonoma Guadalajara, Universidad de Guadalajara Leones Negros, Puebla, Veracruz and Atlas from 1987 to 1996. He made his professional debut in 1984 with the Los Angeles Lazers of the Major Indoor Soccer League, and also played with the Memphis Storm and outdoors with the Hollywood Kickers and California Kickers. Before turning Pro, Vasquez played three seasons at Cal State - Los Angeles.

"Martin adds to our staff the perspective of a player who has played at the league and national team level for both the United States and Mexico. His MLS experience from three years in this league, will allow him the ability to relate that playing experience on a day-to-day basis at training," said Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "I really expect Martin to be most influential on our younger developing players like (Guillermo) 'Memo' Gonzalez, Alejandro Moreno, Arturo Torres, Ricky Lewis and Scot Thompson to help us develop these promising talents as well as helping to shape our side for the 2004 season."

A former U.S. National Team member, Vasquez appeared seven times (All Starts) for the USA during 1996 and 1997. Vasquez registered 435 minutes for the Red-White-and-Blue and was among the final player pool leading up to the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. He made his first appearance with the U.S. on December 21, 1996, starting at sweeper in a 2-2 draw against Guatemala in a CONCACAF World Cup qualifying match in San Salvador, El Salvador.

A native of Jalisco, Mexico, Vasquez made 10 appearances for Mexico in 1991 and 1992 under national team coach Cesar Luis Menotti of Argentina before becoming a U.S. citizen in 1996. However, he remained eligible for U.S. Team because none of his appearances came in a full international game. He is the only player to appear for both the U.S. and Mexican Full National Teams.

Vasquez, who was born on December 24, 1963, is married to Denise. The couple resides in West Covina, CA with their two children, Michael (12), Erika (10) and Emily (six months).

Los Angeles Galaxy tickets are now on sale for the 2004 season at The Home Depot Center, who open their ninth season in MLS with a match against the New England Revolution at 7 pm (PT) on Saturday April 3, 2004. For more information or to purchase your 2004 Los Angeles Galaxy season tickets, please call toll-free 1-877-3GALAXY or visit www.lagalaxy.com.

Check out the LA Galaxy Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from January 7, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central