March 7, 2005

The West Texas A&M University athletic department announced today that the men's soccer team will play an exhibition match against Major League Soccer franchise FC Dallas (formerly the Dallas Burn). The game will be played at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium on Monday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m.

"It's a tremendous opportunity to be able to host a Major League Soccer team in our area," said WTAMU head soccer coach Butch Lauffer. "It's not often that young players here get an opportunity to see a sport - any sport - at the highest level. FC Dallas is a top-tier MLS franchise and I'm excited that people will be able to see this brand of soccer. I'm sure the sport will gain new fans in the Panhandle as a result of this game."

The Dallas Burn became a charter member of Major League Soccer in 1995. In their nine years as members of MLS, Dallas has one of the most consistent teams in the league. Dallas qualified for the playoffs the first seven years of the team's existence and came within one game of advancing to MLS Cup on two occasions. Additionally, the team added a major piece of hardware to the trophy case in 1997 by capturing the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title.

In 2005, the Burn changed their name to FC Dallas and will play this season in the new Frisco Soccer and Entertainment Center, a 115-acre facility north of Dallas that features a 20,000-plus-seat soccer stadium.

FC Dallas is led by "the Magic Johnson of soccer," US National Team member Eddie Johnson and two-time team MVP Oscar Pareja. Head Coach Colin Clarke is entering his second year with the team. Clarke's storied playing career includes 38 appearances with the Northern Ireland National Team. FC Dallas will bring 16 players to Canyon to face WT. The team's final travel roster has not yet been set.

WTAMU finished the 2004 season with an 11-7-2 record and return All-Region forward Josh Fender and midfielder Omar Morales.

The WTAMU men's team finished the 2004 season with a record of 11-7-2. Junior All-Region forward Josh Fender and junior midfielder Omar Morales lead the Buffs. Fender is a Richardson, Texas native and was a ball boy for the Dallas Burn in 1996 and 1997. In 14 seasons as men's head coach, Lauffer has compiled an overall record of 168-75-18, including four conference championships and three NCAA tournament berths. Lauffer also serves as the women's head coach at WT.

Tickets for the exhibition game are on sale now and may be purchased by calling the WTAMU athletic ticket office at 651-4424. All tickets are $7 for general admission seating. Teams and groups of 10 or more may purchase advance group tickets for $5 each. After the game, players from both teams will be available for autographs.

WTAMU previously played two exhibitions in 2003. The Buffs hosted the Dallas Sidekicks of the Major Indoor Soccer League while the Lady Buffs squared off against the New Zealand Women's National Team.

"We've been able to bring in exhibitions before and the community support has been excellent," said Lauffer. "Obviously, bringing an MLS franchise is a big opportunity for us and it is not without cost. But the university believes the overall benefit to our area and to young soccer players is well worth the effort."

-WT-