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April 7, 2008 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


MLS Week 3: April 9-13, 2008

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9

CONCACAF Champions Cup: Pachuca at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m. (FSC, FSE)

- Reigning champ Pachuca leads the series 2-0 in goals after the first leg of the two-game semifinal

New England at Kansas City, 8:00 p.m. (DK)

- Kansas City, off to a fast start, hopes to remain unbeaten at CommunityAmerica Ballpark

o The Wizards are the only team with two wins so far in MLS.

- New England's attack still missing Steve Ralston (shoulder), Taylor Twellman (right knee) and midfielder Jeff Larentowicz (red card suspension).

- The Wizards found a new goal-scoring threat in defender Jimmy Conrad -- currently tied for the MLS Golden Boot race after his first career two-goal game. Conrad had 11 career MLS goals in last 2008 games prior to Saturday.

CONCACAF Champions Cup: Houston Dynamo at Saprissa, 10:00 p.m. (FSC, FSE)

- Semifinal is tied 0-0 after first leg; winner of this game advances to the final (no away goals tiebreaker).

o If still tied after 90 minutes, a full 30 minutes of extra time will follow, followed by a penalty shootout (if still tied).

- After Saprissa defeated Atlante FC of Mexico in the quarterfinals, CONCACAF fined the club for failing to maintain a safe and secure environment at Estadio Saprissa. MLS teams are 5-28-2 in Latin America in official international competitions, including an 0-4-0 record at Estadio Saprissa in official competitions.

Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis returned to action Sunday after missing Houston's opener with a thigh injury.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

Chicago Fire at San Jose Earthquakes, 4:30 p.m. (FSC, FSE)

- The home opener for the reborn San Jose Earthquakes - one of three Quakes games scheduled at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA.

- Chicago's Cuauhtémoc Blanco, featured in Sports Illustrated last week, and Polish forward Tomasz Frankowski share the League lead with two others at two goals apiece.

- A rematch of MLS Cup 2003 - the last title won by the Earthquakes. Frank Yallop guided the Quakes to a 4-2 victory that day.

Chivas USA at Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m.

- Olympic hopefuls: Chivas USA's Sacha Kljestan and Columbus' Eddie Gaven are key creators for their teams and strong candidates to represent the United States in Beijing this summer.

- The Crew have not defeated Chivas USA at Crew Stadium, going 0-1-2.

Colorado Rapids at New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m.

- Last season Colorado tied for the second-worst offensive season in MLS history (0.96 goals per game), but early in 2008, with a dynamic midfield led by Christian Gomez and Terry Cooke, the Rapids lead MLS with six goals in two games.

- If Matt Reis plays the entirety of both Revolution games this week, he will set the league's all-time consecutive minutes streak. He has currently played 6,480 consecutive minutes in league games; the record is held by Houston's Pat Onstad (6,648, 2005-07)

- Fernando Clavijo returns to face the club where his MLS coaching career began (2000-2002). He has yet to win in New England as the Rapids' coach. Under Clavijo, the Rapids are 3-2-1 against the Revs, but all three wins were in Colorado.

Houston Dynamo at Kansas City Wizards, 8:00 p.m. (HDnet)

- Houston's third game in seven days; Kansas City's third game in eight days.

- The last of a four-game homestand that opens the Wizards' season.

- A rematch of last year's Western Conference Championship game, won 2-0 by the Dynamo at Robertson Stadium.

21-year old Argentine forward Franco Caraccio scored his first MLS goal in last week's 3-3 barnburner with FC Dallas. He looks to continue against KC and Argentine legend Claudio Lopez.

New York Red Bulls at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

- The Red Bulls won their season opener for the first time in four years - 2-0 over Columbus Crew.

- FC Dallas has conceded late equalizers in both of their games to open 2008.

o Maykel Galindo scored for Chivas USA in the 84th minute of the opener

o Geoff Cameron scored his first MLS goal in the 91st minute for Houston on Sunday.

D.C. United at Real Salt Lake, 9:00 p.m.

- D.C. United have lost in their last two trips to Rice-Eccles Stadium.

o In 2006, the loss snapped a 14-game unbeaten streak for United.

o In 2007, RSL's win was its first of the season, in its 12th game.

SUNDAY, APRIL 6

Toronto FC at Los Angeles Galaxy, 3 p.m. (TeleFutura)

Toronto FC closes out three-game road stretch to open the season with this match in LA.

Former Galaxy midfielder and Canadian international Kevin Harmse was traded to Toronto, but is ineligible due to a red card suspension.

The teams played twice last season, tying once 0-0 and LA winning 2-1 on Oct. 13, 2007, with goals from Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle.

All times Eastern, live broadcasts in parentheses; schedule subject to change

Seattle Sounders FC Unveiled as Name of 15th Major League Soccer Team

The city of Seattle ushered in a new era, while remaining with a tradition built by the old era of soccer in the city, as Seattle Sounders FC was unveiled as the name for Major League Soccer's 15th team. Seattle Sounders FC will begin play in 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle. For the official press release, to view the logo and video of today's press conference log onto www.soundersfc.com.

Los Angeles Galaxy Midfielder David Beckham Wins Player of the Week for Week 2

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham was voted as Major League Soccer's Player of the Week for Week 2 of the 2008 season. Beckham scored his first MLS regular season goal and notched an assist as the Galaxy defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 in their home opener on Thursday, April 3. Now in his first full season in MLS, Beckham was signed as the League's first Designated Player and arrived in Los Angeles during the summer of 2007. The Galaxy is 1-0-1 with three points through two games this season. For more on Beckham's performance click here.

The Major League Soccer Player of the Week is selected each week of the MLS regular season by a panel of journalists from The North American Soccer Reporters (NASR). The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media. More information and membership information can be found at

MLS All-Stars to Face English Premier League's West Ham United in 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game

West Ham United, the historic east London club of the English Premier League, will face the MLS All-Stars in the 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game at BMO Field, the home of Toronto FC, on Thursday, July 24 (live on ESPN2 and Telefutura at 7 p.m. ET). This midseason showcase will continue the theme of "MLS Takes on the World." The MLS All-Star team is 4-0 in previous All-Star Games against international opponents. All Toronto FC season seat holders had an option to purchase tickets for the 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game. Further ticketing details will be released shortly. For more information visit www.torontofc.ca. Special event credentials will be required for media wishing to cover this event. Media credential application information for the 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star game will be distributed at a later date.

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