MLS LA Galaxy

Galaxy To Return To New Zealand In December

Published on September 2, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, September 2, 2008) - The LA Galaxy announced today that they will return to New Zealand for the second consecutive postseason for an international friendly. On Saturday, December 6, the Galaxy will take on an Oceania All Stars Invitational Team made up of players from throughout the Oceania region, at the Auckland Regional Council's (ARC) Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.

"We are very pleased to be bringing the LA Galaxy to Auckland for this opportunity to compete against a quality international opponent made up of All Stars from Oceania," said Galaxy Assistant General Manager Tom Payne. "We truly enjoyed our experience in New Zealand last year and look forward to once again providing an exciting match for all of the fans."

In December 2007, the Galaxy traveled to Wellington, New Zealand as part of a two-match tour of Australia and New Zealand that saw the Galaxy play in front of more than 110,000 fans. After losing 5-3 to Sydney FC at Telstra Stadium in the tour opener, the Galaxy traveled to New Zealand where they held a training session in front of more than 15,000 school children at Westpac Stadium on November 30. One day later, a crowd of 31,853 was on hand to see the Galaxy defeat the Wellington Phoenix 4-1 behind goals from Clint Mathis, Landon Donovan, Carlos Pavon and David Beckham.

"Hosting David Beckham and the LA Galaxy for a match at the ARC's Mt Smart Stadium will bring a global sporting superstar of a popular sport to the people of the Auckland region," said ARC Chairman Michael Lee. "Not only will the game be a unique and exciting family day out, but we are delighted that members of our regional community, especially children, will be able to get close to their remarkable sporting heroes."

"Soccer is one of New Zealand's biggest participation sports and it is great to see it taking centre field at Mt Smart Stadium," added Lee.

The ARC and Mt Smart Stadium are being supported by the Oceania Football Confederation, a natural partner in the soccer arena, and Auckland City Council, experts in delivering major events in Auckland.

The Oceania All Stars Invitational Team to play against the LA Galaxy is being assembled from member associations across the Oceania football region.

"Our All Stars team will be captained by Christian Karembeu," said Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) General Secretary Tai Nicholas. "This is going to be a tremendous spectacle for soccer fans across the world and we are delighted that OFC is involved.

"I believe a match of this caliber will increase the profile of football in New Zealand and Oceania and provide role models for our youth to aspire too. I applaud ARC's recognition of the power of football to bring people together in a worthy cause as this match will reach out and touch our Pacific Island community not only in Auckland but internationally," added Nicholas.

OFC hopes to include a total of three international players (outside the Oceania region) with more names to be announced in coming weeks.

As well as the match on Saturday, December 6, the ARC, Mt Smart Stadium and partners will host a number of events while the LA Galaxy is visiting New Zealand, including an opportunity for school children to attend a training session.

"The LA Galaxy's visit will be another successful date on Auckland's events calendar following next month's FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup," said the mayor of Auckland, Hon John Banks.

Tickets will go on public sale through Ticketek on Wednesday 24 September 2008. Visa Entertainment are supporting the event and their customers (Visa cardholders) will be notified of their opportunity to pre-purchase tickets. Ticket prices range from $45 to $180, with the premium tickets being part of hospitality packages. Details of ticket sales will be advertised through media outlets and will be posted on the Mt Smart Stadium website at www.mtsmartstadium.co.nz over the next few weeks.

The Auckland Regional Council, Mt Smart Stadium and LA Galaxy wish to thank and acknowledge the role of FIFA Licensed Match Agent Lou Sticca and his Company, Tribal Sports Management in presenting this fantastic opportunity to once again showcase international football in Auckland and New Zealand. Sticca was responsible for LA Galaxy's tour of Sydney and Wellington in 2007.

The Galaxy are back in action this Saturday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m. when they host Western Conference rival Real Salt Lake at The Home Depot Center. For more information about the game against Real Salt Lake or to order tickets for it, please visit www.lagalaxy.com or call 877-3GALAXY.

Check out the LA Galaxy Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from September 2, 2008


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