MLS LA Galaxy

Galaxy's Gonzalez Named to US Roster

Published on July 25, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


CARSON, CA (Friday, July 25, 2003) - Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Guillermo "Memo" Gonzalez was named today to the U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team's 20-man roster by U.S. head coach John Ellinger to represent the U.S. at the 2003 FIFA Under-17 World Championship in Finland from August 13-30. Ellinger has called on all 18 of the players that represented the U.S. during the final round of CONCACAF qualifying in Guatemala in early March.

"Today's selection of Guillermo is a well deserved honor, but was not unpredicted. He is a talented young player who will match his abilities against the other top young players from around the world," said Galaxy VP/GM Doug Hamilton. "On behalf of the Galaxy, we wish "Memo" and the entire squad all the best in Finland."

A trio of fantastic players will lead the U.S. offense and try to recreate the USA's impressive fourth-place finish just four years ago in New Zealand '99. 2003 MLS rookies Guillermo Gonzalez and Eddie Gaven, along with 14-year-old sensation Freddy Adu, have combined for 49 goals this year, including more than half of the tallies in international matches (19).

A native of Paramount, CA, Gonzalez was drafted by the Galaxy in the first round (8th overall) at the 2003 MLS SuperDraft on January 17. Gonzalez, who made his first career MLS appearance vs. the MetroStars on June 21, 2003 at Giants Stadium, has appeared in three games and registered 47 minutes with the Galaxy.

The United States, the only nation to qualify for all 10 world championships at this age group, was drawn into Group D and will play all three of its games at Lahti Stadium in Lahti, Finland. The U-17s will face AFC champion South Korea on Aug. 14, CAF runner-up Sierra Leone on Aug. 17 and UEFA runner-up Spain on Aug. 20. Every U.S. match at the World Championship can be followed live via ussoccer.com's MatchTracker, presented by Philips Electronics.

Before arriving in Finland, the U.S. Under-17s will travel to Manchester, England, to play four preparation matches. The U.S. will face Blackburn Rovers FC, Manchester United, Australia and Nigeria during the first week of August. The team will then travel to Lahti, Finland, for a few days of training before its first game against South Korea.

The L.A. Galaxy host the Columbus Crew on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 at The Home Depot Center (Kickoff 7:30 pm). For information regarding purchasing 2003 L.A. Galaxy tickets at The Home Depot Center, please call our office toll-free (877) 3-GALAXY or visit our website at: www.lagalaxy.com.

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 25, 2003


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