SECAUCUS, N.J. - D'Fabis Productions announced today that the MetroStars will host Deportivo Cuenca in a friendly match at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 23 at Giants Stadium. Deportivo Cuenca is the current champion of Ecuador, and is representing Ecuador in the 2005 Copa Libertadores.
"We are extremely proud to be playing a 2005 Copa Libertadores team at Giants Stadium in front of our fans," said MetroStars President and General Manager Nick Sakiewicz. "This will be a great test for our team, as we will be less than two weeks away from Opening Day of the 2005 MLS season and our match-up against Real Salt Lake."
"El Expreso Austral", as Cuenca is referred to by many in Ecuador, won their first Championship in the 33-year club history in 2004. By winning the title, they have earned a berth in the 2005 Copa Libertadores. They were led the championship by Julio "El Turcó" Asad, who was formerly with Velez Sarfield in Argentina.
The Cuenca roster will not be released until a later date, however there is a tie between the two clubs, as former MetroStars player Petter Villegas is now with Cuenca.
The match is being promoted by industrialist Fabian Vallejo, in an effort to bring Cuenca to the United States so that Ecuadorian fans who reside in the U.S. can see the team play.
Tickets will be available for the match starting on Monday at all TicketMaster outlets, Delgado Travel locations, Freddy Records (both locations -102-07 Roosevelt Ave, Corona, NY, 718-205-6540 and 97-06 Roosevelt Ave, Corona, NY, 718-803-3244), and through the MetroStars by calling Jorge Ranz at 201-583-7014 or emailing to jranz@metrostars.com.
All MetroMembers (MetroStars Season Ticket Holders) will receive complimentary tickets to this game. MetroMembers are encouraged to contact their account managers at 888-4METROTIX for more information regarding this game.
