The Los Angeles Galaxy announced today that they are joining forces with Herdez to host the third annual LA Cup youth soccer tournament next weekend, May 29-31, at the Lancaster National Soccer Center. LA Cup, a tournament for unaffiliated Hispanic youth soccer teams, provides a unique opportunity for players to be seen by coaches and scouts, who are looking to unearth the untold talent that abounds throughout Southern California.
"We are extremely proud to stage the LA Cup for the third-straight year because we truly believe many of the stars of tomorrow will be playing in this years' tournament," said Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "In our continuing efforts to be a resource for soccer, the Galaxy feel LA Cup is a great opportunity for many talented young players throughout Southern California to compete in and be seen by not only the Galaxy, but variety of coaches in the college, professional and national team ranks."
The LA Cup is expected to attract over 100 boys and girls teams ranging in age from Under-12 through Under-18 to one of the nation's premier venues for youth soccer. Group preliminary matches will be played Saturday and Sunday with the semifinals and finals in each age category to be contested on Monday.
Several Los Angeles Galaxy players will be in attendance and signing autographs for fans on Sunday from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. In addition, Galaxy Ambassador Mauricio Cienfuegos will also be on-site watching games and scouting talent as well as signing a few autographs.
Galaxy Director of Youth Development and Programs Ralph Perez will also be scouting the event, searching for prospects for the Galaxy's Premier Development Program, slated to launch in mid-June. Several college coaches will also be in attendance.
In addition to Herdez, several Los Angeles Galaxy sponsors will be assisting the club in putting on the 2004 edition of the annual event. Western Union, Sierra Mist, Kohl's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Nike have all pledged their support of the tournament.
For more information call (661) 723-6098, (661) 723-5964 or visit the Lancaster National Soccer Center web-site: lancastersoccercenter.com.
In 2003, more than 100 teams competed for the various titles up for grabs, including a special round-robin group between the Under-17 national teams of the USA, Mexico and Costa Rica as they prepared for the FIFA Under-17 World Championship Finland 2003.
The Los Angeles Galaxy are pleased to announce that their next home game, on Saturday May 29 vs. Dallas at 7 pm will be yet another chance this season for fans to purchase a Los Angeles Times Galaxy Family Pack. For as a little as $52, a family of four gets four match tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and a Los Angeles Times newspaper. To take advantage of this offer, please call the Galaxy ticket office at 1-877-3GALAXY.
