Friday’s Short Passes: Galaxy, U.S. Men & More

Don’t forget to set up that TiVo (or get up early for the U.S.-England World Cup game Saturday morning).

Read the previous post for a complete game preview, but here’s what else is going on in soccer-related news locally today.

No season ticket increase for Galaxy games in ’08

That’s what the club announced today – for current season ticket holders – in a press release.

And considering the quality of soccer on the field this year, even the Galaxy wouldn’t have the chutzpah to shaft their most loyal supporters.

Still, from what I’ve been hearing, long-time fans have been slowly drifting off ever since former Coach Sigi Schmid was fired.

Not surprisingly there’s a lively debate on a couple of message boards among fans discussing whether to renew or not.

Here’s the (edited) press release:

As a sign of our appreciation for our season ticket holders continued support and loyalty, they are being given the exclusive opportunity to purchase 2008 season tickets at the 2007 prices if renewed by October 19, 2007, said LA Galaxy President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. The results to date have not been what our fans expect or deserve, but there is much to be excited about for 2008 and beyond. As always, we remain committed to giving our season seat holders a successful and entertaining team and one that fans can be proud to support, on and off the field.

In response to requests from fans that the club confirm next seasons seat locations as early as possible, the Galaxy are asking for the commitment of returning full season ticket holders for the 2008 season by October 19, 2007. After that date, any unsecured seating locations will be released to people wishing to relocate or purchase new season tickets, and the 2007 season price will no longer be available.

U.S.-Catalonia Friendly Officially Cancelled

In the day’s least surprising news, U.S. Soccer formally announced what most fans knew a couple of weeks back: the U.S.-Catalonia game set for Oct. 14 is off after the Spanish FA nixed it.

Here’s the (edited) press release

No replacement match will be scheduled, and the U.S. will face 2008 European Championship co-host Switzerland on Oct. 17 in Basel. Kickoff at St. Jakob Park is set for (11:30 p.m. PT) live on Fox Soccer Channel and Galavision.

U.S. Soccer spent two weeks negotiating with the Catalonian Federation and the RFEF trying to reach a positive resolution. The Spanish Federation, who has authority for sanctioning any match played in Spain, ultimately chose not to allow the match to take place.

“We are disappointed that the match will not be played, since we believe playing Catalonia would be an excellent experience for our players, said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. Nonetheless, we respect the decision of the Spanish Federation.

The U.S. will now focus on playing Switzerland on Oct. 17 in Basel.

Switzerland finished in first place in Group G of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, ahead of eventual runners up France. Falling to Ukraine in the Round of 16 in penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation time, the Swiss became the first team in World Cup history to be eliminated from the tournament without surrendering a single goal. As co-hosts, Switzerland is automatically entered into Euro 2008, which will take place from June 7-29 across eight venues in Austria and Switzerland.