June 18, 1999
New York — Major League Soccer Commissioner Douglas G. Logan announced that game two of the 1999 MLS All-Star Doubleheader on July 17, 1999, at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego will feature Mexican power C.D de Guadalajara, affectionately known by their fans throughout the world as Chivas, and perennial Chilean contender Universidad Católica.
"We are delighted that two of the finest clubs from the Americas will be included in our annual All-Star festivities," said Logan. "We want to give our fans a chance to see some of the world-class players who have played alongside MLS stars in the past, and could possibly join our league in the future."
Chivas, the extraordinary popular Mexican club famous for its policy to include only Mexican citizens on its roster, owns 10 Mexican League titles since 1943 (last winning the 1997 Verano tournament). Four Chivas players —forwards Luis Garcia and Ricardo Pelaez and defenders Joel Sanchez and Claudio Suarez— represented the Mexican National Team in its run to the second round at World Cup France `98.
MLS fans saw Chivas' high-level brand of soccer in four cities in July and August of 1997, when the legendary club went 2-2 against MLS competition. The tour began at Soldier Field in Chicago, when 27,000 Windy City soccer enthusiasts saw the Los Angeles Galaxy defeat the Mexican champion, 1-0, in a penalty-kick shootout. Chivas then won its next two exhibition, visiting Dallas and Colorado and resoundingly defeating the Burn and Rapids by a combined 11-0 score in front of a total of nearly 50,000 fans.
In August of 1997, Chivas played two CONCACAF Champions' Cup games at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., losing to fellow Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul in the semifinals before playing to a 2-2 draw with D.C. United in the consolation game. In the team's last appearance against an MLS team, Chivas played the San Jose Clash to a 1-1 tie in an exhibition game at Portland in May of 1998.
Universidad Católica, winners of seven Chilean titles since 1935, features six veterans of the most recent World Club, including flamboyant goalkeeper Nelson Tapia. Tapia, who appeared for the FIFA World Stars team that faced Brazil as part of Major League Soccer's 1996 All-Star Doubleheader at Giants Stadium, is one of the heroes of Chilean futbol and another of South Ame-rica's revered netminders who ranks among the continent's most popular players. Joining Tapia on the Chilean side at France `98 from Universidad Católica were defenders Fernando Cornejo and Javier Margas and midfielders Nelson Parraguez and Miguel Ramirez. Católica forward Hugo Brizuela was selected to the Paraguayan World Cup team.
The fourth annual MLS All-Star Game will be televised nationally from Qual-comm Stadium on Saturday, July 17, 1999 at 3:30 p.m. ET live on ABC and ESPN International, bringing the game to more than 130 countries around the globe. ESPN and ESPN2 will provide additional national programming throughout the All-Star Weekend. Chivas and Católica will kick off approximately 30 minutes after the completion of the East-West MLS contest.
For the second consecutive season, the MLS All-Star Game features starting lineups selected by the fans as part of balloting online via Yahoo!. Fans, who will be able to cast their votes from their favorite MLS players from May 17 to July 5, can get the latest information on the 1999 All-Star Weekend in San Diego online at MLS-NET.com. Key dates for 1999 All-Star selections include: June 29, when the head coaches atop the Eastern and Western Conferences are named; July 8, when the starting 11 for each squad is named based on the fan's votes; and July 9, when the reserves are selected by the All-Star head coaches.
From July 14 to July 17, Major League Soccer will host numerous events, activities and tournaments throughout the city of San Diego. Fans are welcome to take part in fun and interactive attractions, such as Soccer Celebration and the MLS 3 v 3 Tournament. Young fans are invited to test their soccer skills at the Pro Player Dribble, Pass & Shoot and take a few pointers from MLS stars at MLS Sports Celebrity Youth Soccer Clinics. Fans can also catch up with their favorite MLS players at autograph sessions and watch national youth soccer action at the Kellogg's All-Star Bowl.
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