LA Galaxy midfielder Chris Klein says he’s prepared for an aggressive style of play when the team faces the Oceania All Stars XI in Auckland on 6 December.
Klein and his team mates have come up against teams from the region before and expect the All Stars to adopt a similar style of play.
“I’ve played against their national team before – they bring a good attacking style, it’s going to be tough for us.”
Klein says while the team is obviously familiar with former French international Christian Karembeu, they have also played against current Toronto player and kiwi Jarrod Smith in the MLS (Major League Soccer) competition.
“Other than that, we know from last year what kind of soccer they play…an aggressive style.”
Klein says the match at Mt Smart Stadium on 6 December gives the team a meaningful game outside their usual season.
“Not many clubs get that, so we’ve been training ever since our season was over, putting the work in trying to stay fit for that one last game of 2008 in New Zealand.”
He says after not making the MLS play-offs, ‘The Beautiful Game’ gives the LA Galaxy a chance to wipe the slate clean and prepare for 2009.
Klein says the exhibition match is also a great opportunity to show football fans outside the United States the quality at which MLS is played.
“To be able to get MLS outside of our country and to show what kind of soccer we play is very important for not only the Galaxy but for the MLS in general.”
He says he’s looking forward to his second trip to New Zealand.
“New Zealand was amazing. To be there last year and have people come out for our training, have a full stadium for the game, it was a great experience, and the people were so friendly and so nice and so accommodating to us it made it all the better.”
The LA Galaxy including David Beckham will take on the Oceania All Stars in ‘The Beautiful Game’ at Mt Smart Stadium on 6 December. Tickets are available from www.ticketek.co.nz or 0800 TICKETEK.
ENDS
Chris Klein plays right fullback or right midfielder for the LA Galaxy. He joined the Galaxy in June 2007. Klein has played in a total of 16 games for the US national team, scoring three goals; his best year was 2003, when he played in seven games and scored all three of his goals.
For audio and video files of this interview with LA Galaxy player Chris Klein, please contact Jo Davidson.
For further information please go to www.mtsmartstadium.co.nz or contact:
Jo Davidson
ARC Mt Smart Stadium Communications
09 366 2000 x 8071
021 331 634
Gordon Glen Watson
OFC Media and Communications
+64 (0)21-994-520