Puerto Rico Islanders News Release - www.islandersfc.org

Friday, February 16, 2007

BAYAMON, PR -- The Puerto Rico Islanders will host their first preseason invitational tournament featuring MLS clubs Los Angeles Galaxy and FC Dallas and USL’s Rochester Rhinos this coming March.

Two doubleheaders have been scheduled for March 22nd and 24th where the four clubs will face-off at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón, PR, in preparation for the upcoming MLS and USL First Division seasons.

On the 22nd, Rochester will play against the LA Galaxy at 5:00pm and Puerto Rico Islanders facing the FC Dallas at 8:00pm. Teams will switch on the 24th with the Islanders closing against the LA Galaxy and the Rhinos facing Dallas.

The tournament shows the Islanders’ continued commitment to invite and play against international teams, as was the case with Chile’s Palestino in 2005. Bringing in quality pro teams to Puerto Rico will help the Island in its quest to become a world destination for high-quality soccer activity.

FC Dallas comes off a bittersweet season in which they led the MLS’ Western Conference in the regular season but fell short in their quest for the MLS title. FCD features, among others, US National Team player and future star Kenny Cooper, and Guatemalan international Carlos Ruiz. Ruiz’s play and scoring ability have made him a bona fide MLS star.

The LA Galaxy look to rebound in 2007, and feature players of the caliber of the USA World Cup team’s Landon Donovan, defender Chris Albright, and seasoned veteran Cobi Jones; not to mention the signing of English superstar David Beckham, who will join the California club once his commitment with Real Madrid ends in the summer.

LA Galaxy and FC Dallas representatives at the press conference showed their enthusiasm for the upcoming event and recognition of the efforts and professionalism of the Islanders organization in making the “Puerto Rico USL-MLS Challenge” a reality.

“We are honored to be part of this event. These will be the last games of our preseason and they are very important for us,” said Shawn McGee of FC Dallas.

“This is a great opportunity to test ourselves against two of the best MLS teams, and we’re looking forward to be a part of this great tournament,” said Rhinos Executive Vice President Matthew Ford.

“It is the vision of the Puerto Rico Islanders organization that events such as this one constitute the best way to promote the quality of soccer being developed on the Island and at the same time promote Puerto Rico as an important world-class tourism and sports (soccer) destination,” expressed Andrés Guillemard-Noble, President of Puerto Rico Islanders.