San Diego Spirit Match Date Change

May 5, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
San Diego Spirit News Release


SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Spirit-San Jose CyberRays WUSA match at Spartan Stadium, originally scheduled for July 13, has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 2.

The change was requested by the CyberRays due to a conflict with the U.S. Women's National Team game against Brazil on the original date. In addition to the U.S. National Team players on both rosters, the CyberRays and the Spirit have the WUSA's only four Brazilians. Based on past call-up history, the two teams could possibly lose as many as 11 players combined - 50 percent of their probable starting lineups - to the international match in New Orleans, which is a tune-up for the Women's World Cup.

"It is important that we cooperate with one another in the league, as we strive to provide WUSA fans with the finest women's soccer in the world, " said Spirit general manager Dave Presher. "We want to play our games on an even playing field, making the decision to move the game very easy. I believe if the tables were turned that the CyberRays organization would do the same for us."

The CyberRays typically have three players called to U.S. National Team events, and because the U.S. opponent for the international match is Brazil, probably will lose all three of their Brazilians as well. San Diego usually has four U.S. players called to the national team and also has one Brazilian.

``We are supportive of the World Cup and the preparations that the various national teams must make for this huge women's sports event,'' CyberRays general manager Marlene Bjornsrud said. ``At the same time, we have made a commitment to our fans to present only the highest level of professional soccer, and that would be impossible with the loss of so many players from both teams. We are grateful to the San Diego Spirit and the WUSA for their cooperation in making this change.''

Tickets already purchased for the original date will be honored at the Spartan Stadium gates on July 2. Fans holding tickets for the original date who cannot attend the July 2 match may contact the CyberRays at (408) 260-3900 to exchange their tickets for another home match.

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. For 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 May 5, 2003


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