Last chance to register for open tryout
Prospective participants can register online at www.lagalaxy.com for their chance to catch the eye of the Galaxy coaching staff and earn an invitation to the club's preseason training. Registration costs $150 and all applicants must have a valid email address so that the club can communicate with them in advance of the tryout.
"Last year's Open Tryout was an amazing success both in the scope of the event and the level of talent that turned out, and we expect this year's event to be even better," said Galaxy President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. "So if you've ever wanted to see if you have what it takes to step onto the field along with Beckham, Donovan, Ruiz and the rest of the Galaxy, than this is a chance that you cannot miss."
This year's tryout will again be open to male players 18 years of age or older who believe that they can perform at the MLS level. Galaxy Director of Soccer Paul Bravo, along with former Galaxy assistant coach Ralph Perez and select other Galaxy approved assessors, will oversee the trials.
College players with any eligibility remaining are not permitted to participate in the tryout per NCAA rules and regulations, while current professional players must have a letter of release from their current club.
Last year's Open Tryout was an unprecedented success with two players, Rui Fortes and Laurent Merlin, who later went on to appear in 22 games for Chivas USA, being selected from the capacity group of 800 players from more than 20 countries on six continents who participated in the event. The tryout was also a significant story in the global media with outlets including BBC, CNN, ESPN, Sky and many more covering the proceedings.
The Galaxy will begin preseason training, their first under new head coach Ruud Gullit, next week at The Home Depot Center. In mid-February, the Galaxy will head west to Hawaii to take part in the inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship.
The club opens their 13th season of play on Saturday, March 29 against the Colorado Rapids at 6:30 p.m. (PT), live on Fox Soccer Channel from Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. LA will play their home opener five days later on Thursday, April 3 when they host former head coach Frank Yallop and the San Jose Earthquakes at 7:30 p.m. at The Home Depot Center.
The 2008 MLS season is just around the corner and the LA Galaxy are now accepting deposits for the 2008 season. A non-refundable deposit secures your place for each 2008 Galaxy regular season game, plus great benefits including exclusive events with the team, special season seat holder gifts, and much more! Call 1-877-3GALAXY or visit www.lagalaxy.com for more details or to purchase your 2008 Galaxy season seats.
