LA Galaxy finalize roster with addition of world-class, homegrown talent

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Tuesday, May 9, 2017) – In a historically-ambitious move, the LA Galaxy, with support from Herbalife Nutrition, have signed 20 new players at once for the club’s LA Galaxy Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) Unified Team set to return to action for the 2017 season. Returning for a third-straight season, the team will compete against other MLS-affiliated Special Olympics Unified Teams throughout the year. This year, each athlete on the LA Galaxy SOSC Unified Team will be paired with an LA Galaxy, who will offer support, guidance and encouragement throughout the season.

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“The entire organization is excited to be able to sign so much talent to the Galaxy’s 2017 Special Olympics Southern California Unified Team,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Pete Vagenas. “These are some of the best players in the country, and they represent the Galaxy in every way. They are a very dedicated group, who work hard and never quit. We are excited to see them kick off their 2017 season on May 27 in San Jose.”

The players were officially announced in a signing ceremony that featured Vagenas, LA Galaxy Head Coach Curt Onalfo and LA Galaxy Captain Jelle Van Damme addressing the group. Additionally, the entire LA Galaxy roster greeted their new counterparts and provided them with their official team shoes following the ceremony provided by Adidas. Each LA Galaxy first-team player will serve as a mentor, guide and supporter to a specific unified teammate throughout the season. 

The players signed will attend regular practices starting this month at StubHub Center. The team will face off against the San Jose Earthquakes Unified Soccer team on Saturday, May 27 on the road at Avaya Stadium immediately following the LA Galaxy-San Jose Earthquakes contest that Saturday. The team will play in their second contest on Aug. 5 on the road against the Portland Timbers Unified Team before their final contest at StubHub Center, when they host the San Jose Earthquakes Unified Team on Sunday, Aug. 27 immediately following the LA Galaxy’s match vs. San Jose Earthquakes. Herbalife Nutrition will support the LA Galaxy SOSC Unified Team’s operations throughout the 2017 season as Dana Ryan, Herbalife Nutrition’s Senior Manager of Sports Performance and Education, will travel with the team to provide nutrition education and guidance.

"It is great to welcome these talented new players to the LA Galaxy Special Olympics Southern California Unified Team,” said Michael O. Johnson, chairman and CEO, Herbalife. “We are proud to support their season with the proper nutrition and fitness resources these players’ need to perform at their best.”

The LA Galaxy SOSC Unified Soccer Team Exchange program is a partnership between the LA Galaxy and Special Olympics Southern California that brings individuals with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 16-25, together as teammates to participate in unique training, competition and social experiences.

After participating in an open tryout earlier in the season, the 20 players were selected based on three criteria: (1) their ability to value and work with teammates of all abilities, (2) their commitment to the Play Unified experience and their teammates, and (3) their understanding of the game of soccer and its rules.

The goal of Unified Sports is to bring people with and without intellectual disabilities together to compete, learn and grow on the same team – as equals. Dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences, Unified Sports breaks down stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities in a fun way. It was inspired by a simple principle: playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.

The 2017 LA Galaxy SOSC Unified Team schedule and roster are below. For more information, visit www.lagalaxy.com/unified/roster.