Real Salt Lake plays its first game Feb. 12th?!!?

Neil · 12-09-2004, 02:27 AM

"According to the Tampa Tribune, there will be a game played in memory of Fitzgerald on Feb. 12 between Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake."

How can this be? Our full team will be a few days old. I mean, I'm all for it, but wtf?

More here: http://www.dailybruin.ucla.edu/news/articles.asp?id=31280

SoccerPrime · 12-09-2004, 05:28 AM

Normally most MLS teams come to the Tampa area in late Feb/March to do spring training, but that does sound a tad early.
Remember that Fitz was the Crew coach and Ellinger was Fitz's good friend.
I miss Fitz.
If I find out any more I'll let you know. Since this is RSL's first match, all of you should plan to come HERE to Florida and let me be host!!!
🙂

SoccerPrime · 12-09-2004, 05:33 AM

Ok here is more:
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/12/08/Sports/Festival_to_honor_lat.shtml

Quote:

Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake, an expansion team, will stage a game at the University of Tampa on Feb.12 in memory of Tom Fitzgerald as part of a festival to benefit the Spartans' men's and women's soccer programs.

SoccerPrime · 12-09-2004, 05:52 AM

In addition...
http://sports.tbo.com/sports/MGBL4J10H2E.html

Quote:

Already, scholarships and events are planned to continue honoring Fitzgerald's legacy. With the help of UT officials, Fitzgerald's former Columbus assistants, current Crew coach Greg Andrulis and recently appointed Real Salt Lake coach John Ellinger, plan to stage a ``Soccer Festival'' at the school Feb. 12.

Although still in the planning stages, the festival likely will feature an exhibition match between Salt Lake and Columbus, as well as a game featuring the Spartans and other possibly area youth squads. UT athletic director Larry Marfise there is talk of possibly naming the Spartans' soccer field or a future facility in memory of Fitzgerald.

montgjules · 12-09-2004, 09:09 AM

I'm assuming this will be a friendly training match, nothing terribly official?

SoccerPrime · 12-09-2004, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montgjules

I'm assuming this will be a friendly training match, nothing terribly official?

I do believe that what "exhibition" means. MLS 2005 season doesn't start until April. This match is just a friendly/pre-season match to honor Andrulis and Ellinger's friend.
But will also give RSL fans their first game. Maybe some Utah station will be able to broadcast it.

montgjules · 12-09-2004, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

I do believe that what "exhibition" means. MLS 2005 season doesn't start until April. This match is just a friendly/pre-season match to honor Andrulis and Ellinger's friend.
But will also give RSL fans their first game. Maybe some Utah station will be able to broadcast it.

Ah, I missed the word "exhibition" in previous posts. Sorry.

Jim Umber · 12-09-2004, 06:25 PM

IF ONLY it were broadcast, but what are the odds? About the same as for me to go to Florida to watch it?😉

Jose Luis Luviano · 12-09-2004, 08:59 PM

Chivas USA is training down in Guadalajara and no doubt will have some friendlies/exhibitions/amistosos coming up.

SoccerPrime · 12-09-2004, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Umber

IF ONLY it were broadcast, but what are the odds? About the same as for me to go to Florida to watch it?😉

I bet you can get a cheap ticket to Tampa or Orlando, really. Check southwest air.
It would be my pleasure to help you with accomodations.