CARSON, Calif. - The Los Angeles Galaxy head to Puerto Rico this week for training and a pair of games against USL First Division clubs. The Galaxy will be participating in the inaugural Puerto Rico USL-MLS Challenge in the city of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, the home of the USL's Puerto Rico Islanders. The Galaxy and Western Conference rival FC Dallas will each play the Islanders and the Rochester Rhinos, with L.A. playing Rochester on Thursday evening and then taking on the hosts on Saturday.
This past Sunday evening, the Galaxy extended their unbeaten streak in the preseason to six games with a 1-1 draw against the Columbus Crew in Santa Clarita, Calif. Kyle Martino scored his first goal of the preseason for the Galaxy in the eighth minute as the team improved its preseason record to 6-1-2.
Galaxy Weekly Training Schedule (All times Pacific)
Date: Time/Location
Tuesday, Mar.20: Galaxy travel to Puerto Rico
Wednesday, Mar. 21: 8:30 a.m. - Galaxy training in Puerto Rico
Thursday, Mar. 22: 2 p.m. - Galaxy vs. Rochester Rhinos at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium
Friday, Mar. 23: 8:30 a.m. - Galaxy training in Puerto Rico
Saturday, Mar. 24: 5 p.m. - Galaxy vs. Puerto Rico Islanders at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium
Sunday, Mar. 25: Galaxy return to Los Angeles
Monday, Mar. 26: * DAY OFF*
GALAXY ADD GOALKEEPER: The Galaxy have signed goalkeeper Lance Friesz from the University of San Diego, and placed him on their Developmental Roster. Friesz, a native of Laguna Niguel, Calif., was acquired by the club off waivers on Monday. The 23-year old appeared in and started 76 games for the Toreros in his four years with the program, recording a 37-25-13 record while posting 21 shutouts from 2003-2006. As a freshman in 2003, he was named to the All-West Coast Conference Second Team after posting a 12-4-4 record with a 0.76 goals against average, helping USD reach the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.
TWO GET THE CALL: Midfielder Quavas Kirk and forward Landon Donovan will not accompany the Galaxy to Puerto Rico as they have been called up to the U.S. Under-20 National Team and full National Team respectively. Kirk and the rest of the U-20's will travel to Frisco, Texas where head coach Thomas Rongen will put his team through a week's worth of training at Pizza Hut Park from March 22-29.
While Kirk is in Texas, Donovan will be in Bradenton, Fla. as the U.S. prepares for a pair of friendlies. Donovan joined up with the rest of the National Team on Monday and will train in preparation for games against Ecuador (Saturday, March 24) and Guatemala (Wednesday, March 28) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. and Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas respectively.
PRESEASON TUNEUP ON TAP: The Galaxy has announced that the club will take on the California Victory of the USL First Division in their final preseason game of the year at The Home Depot Center on Friday, March 30 at 2 p.m.
FAN FEST RETURNS ON APRIL 1: As announced earlier this month, the Galaxy will host their annual Fan Fest on Sunday, April 1 at 2 p.m. at The Home Depot Center. This event, which is free to all fans, will feature raffles, interactive booths and family-friendly entertainment, as well as the chance to tour the Galaxy locker room, watch the team's training session on the stadium field and get autographs following training. For more information about this event, please call 1-877-3GALAXY.
KICKOFF LUNCHEON OPENS 2007 CAMPAIGN: The Los Angeles Galaxy 2007 Kickoff Luncheon will be held Tuesday, April 3, at the Torrance Marriott. This will be an exclusive and intimate opportunity for fans to meet their favorite Galaxy players and coaches. The event, which is limited to the first 300 people includes a special luncheon gift, a reception followed by lunch and a short program featuring Galaxy President and General Manager Alexi Lalas and Head Coach Frank Yallop with insight on the upcoming season and all things Galaxy on and off the field. To purchase tickets, please visit www.lagalaxy.com or call 310.630.2222.
