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Namazi Introduces Himself to Spirit Faithful

November 5, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
San Diego Spirit News Release


SAN DIEGO - Omid Namazi was introduced as the Spirit's third head coach in team history on Monday, November 4 at Allen Field. Namazi, who was joined by Spirit general manager Dave Presher and Cox Communications vice president of programming & communications Dan Novak, answered questions from the San Diego media. The following is a summary of Namazi's answers to questions asked at the press conference.

Namazi on coming to the Spirit...

"I am excited, I have been involved in professional soccer for 14 years and this is an opportunity for me to coach outdoors again, as well as to coach the highest level of women in the world."

Namazi on coaching women for the first time...

"It's going to be a challenge. It's going to be a little different, as there's going to be a learning curve. The women feed a lot off of being positive and being in a positive environment. I really don't want to dwell so much on the differences between coaching men and women. They're all professionals, and I've coached professionals before."

Namazi on what the team needs...

"Although we do have a lot of technical and skillful players, we have a lot of players who are in the same mold. Another problem is that while this team has some of the best players in the world, we have players that may be lacking in athletic ability and in speed."

Namazi on roster turnover...

"We are looking, constantly looking at the college game and internationally to bring in some new players to compliment the nucleus of this team."

Namazi on the team missing the playoffs the past two seasons...

"Although the team didn't make the playoffs the last two years, I don't think they were that far off. It's all about attitude and the mental side of the game, and we'll be working on that."

Namazi on what he will bring to the team...

"I think I can help the team in preparation and give them an attitude that every time they step onto the field that they can win. I want to put a system into place that the players are comfortable with and can believe in, providing them a positive mentality that will start moving this team into an era where we can be a winning team."

The San Diego Spirit is a charter member of the WUSA and plays their home matches at the 7,035-seat Torero Stadium on the campus of the University of San Diego. The Spirit kicks off their third season of action in April 2003. For 2003 season ticket information, please contact the Spirit ticket office at 1-877-4SOCCER (1-877-476-2237) or 619-692-9872, or visit the club's website at www.sandiegospirit.com.



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from November 5, 2002


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