Sports stats



MLS Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union Finalists Announced for National "Final Event" of Sueño MLS

May 2, 2011 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release


[cid:image001.jpg

@01CC08DA.DE8C2140] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Aimee Cicero (610) 209-3657 (cell); acicero@philadelphiaunion.com Cristina Maíllo-Belda (240) 602-0488 (cell); cmaillo-belda@philadelphiaunion.com

Philadelphia Union finalists announced for national "Final Event" of Sueño MLS 2011 - presented by Allstate Birnis Adames, Richy Amador, Juan Cortez, Kevin Olaya and Milton Rico will travel to Texas this week for shot at soccer glory in Sueño MLS 2011 Finals; Gianluigi Mardoni selected as local "Good Hands©" Top Goalkeeper - El Portero Allstate

Chester, Pa. (May 2, 2011) - Philadelphia Union and Major League Soccer announced today the names of the five field players who will represent the club at this week's national "Final Event" of Sueño MLS 2011 - presented by Allstate in Frisco, Texas May 5-8. Also named was the local finalist of the "Good Hands©" top goalkeeper - El Portero Allstate. The nationally-televised player search is showcased on "República Deportiva," the popular Univision weekly Spanish-language sports show that chronicles the tryouts in a "reality show within a show" format.

The six standouts from the Union tryouts are:

Name Position Age Hometown

Birnis Adames Forward 18 Camden, NJ

Richy Amador Midfielder 18 Santa Rosa, CA

Juan Cortez Midfielder 15 Bridgeport, CT

Kevin Olaya Midfielder 16 Elizabeth, NJ

Milton Rico Midfielder 18 Philadelphia, PA

Gianluigi Mardoni Goalkeeper 17 Sacramento, CA

The five field players, whose diverse backgrounds and personal stories were featured on "República Deportiva" this past Sunday, May 1, fought their way past more than 400 competitors in an open tryout to earn a week-long trial with the Philadelphia Union Academy, and a trip to the "Final Event," where they will be joined by the FC Dallas and Chicago Fire finalists announced last week. Gianluigi Mardoni, selected as the local "Good Hands©" top goalkeeper - El Portero Allstate, will also join the other two national goalkeeper finalists in Frisco, Texas later this week.

In each city, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia, players were battling for one of five invitations to a week-long trial with their respective youth development host club and an invitation to the exciting four-day "Final Event" which will be staged for the first time in the Dallas area. The finals will include training sessions, scrimmages, guest celebrity scouts, and an opportunity to meet some of the League's biggest stars. The ultimate champion will be crowned on Sunday, May 8, live on "República Deportiva" (see calendar below for more information).

New to Sueño MLS for 2011 is the Allstate "Good Hands©" top goalkeeper award - El Portero Allstate. One goalkeeper at each of the three local tryouts will be selected as the top goalkeeper, and at least two of the three will be chosen to join the other local finalists at the national final. "El Portero Allstate" will be selected in addition to the Sueño MLS 2011 - presented by Allstate champion.

Check out the Philadelphia Union Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from May 2, 2011


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