Auckland welcomes LA Galaxy stars

ARC Mt Smart Stadium Media Release

Wednesday 3 November

Auckland welcomes LA Galaxy stars

The LA Galaxy Major League Soccer team arrived in Auckland early this morning to begin preparations for its one-off friendly match against the Oceania All Stars at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night.

An enthusiastic crowd of around 200 people, including one couple who had been at the airport since 7pm Tuesday night, waited to meet England and former Manchester United star David Beckham and his LA Galaxy team mates. 

The team was greeted by Te Waihino A Kupe Aotearoa who performed a kapa haka, including the iconic ‘Ka Mate’ haka.

Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena responded to the group’s wero by picking up the small leafy branch, offered as a sign of peace and friendship.  Arena thanked Te Waihino A Kupe Aotearoa for their performance and told the crowd that the team was delighted to be back in New Zealand and looking forward to the game on Saturday evening.

On Friday, along with opponents the Oceania All Stars, the team will train in front of 6,000 Auckland school children at Mt Smart Stadium. This session is for registered schools only, with around 130 schools taking up the offer to bring children to the stadium for a day of soccer and entertainment.

The LA Galaxy 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