PUMA® unveiled today the new Official Match Ball of Major League Soccer for the 2005 season at the 2004 Cup Playoffs in Los Angeles, California. As a global leader in soccer technology and design, PUMA takes the MLS Match Ball to a whole new level with enhanced graphics and more attractive base materials.
"Building upon our successful partnership that launched in 2003, PUMA re-designed the sleek and innovative ball befitting our soccer heritage and capturing the spirit and competitive atmosphere of MLS," explained John Stevenson, Vice President and General Manager of Teamsport for PUMA North America. "The PUMA MLS Match ball continues the tradition of ground-breaking technology with enhanced graphic design and we're excited to debut it at the 2004 MLS Cup Playoffs."
PUMA's new Match Ball will carry on as a prominent visual icon on the field throughout the 2005 MLS season. The new ball retains the signature colors and graphics that have come to represent Major League Soccer and features a bold metallic look and provides a shimmer effect that has never been used before in MLS competitive play. The groundbreaking dimple technology utilized in the original PUMA MLS Match Ball will continue in the 2005 updated version.
The FIFA approved 2005 MLS Match Ball features the Dimple II CW-System, designed to give the ball improved traveling speed, more distance and more control. The dimpled surface area gives the MLS Match ball the positive flight characteristics of a golf ball: consistency and length of trajectory. The dimples create an air pocket of "positive turbulence" around the ball in flight, which translates to superior distance, maximum speed and unparalleled accuracy. The ball also features Perimeter Balance Technology guaranteeing 100% shooting accuracy and perfect ballistic trajectory and a patented valve construction, PUMA Air Lock, which gives the best possible protection against air leakage.
In 2003, PUMA launched their first edition of the MLS Match Ball and debuted the revolutionary product at the 2003 season opener. Made to foster a relationship between product and player, foot and mind, the new PUMA match ball is the ultimate solution for any player looking for maximum performance. The new Major League Soccer Official Match ball is available at PUMA.com, MLSnet.com, and sport specialty retailers nationwide.
