Phoenix to take on Galaxy of stars

Wellington  Phoenix FC has secured a deal to play American Major League Soccer team the Los Angeles Galaxy in a special exhibition match in Wellington on Sunday, December 2.



The match, to feature a Galaxy lineup including world football’s hottest property – David Beckham – will take place at the Phoenix’s home ground, Westpac Stadium.



The historic match – Beckham’s first appearance in New Zealand – will be the Galaxy’s second game down-under, coming after the team’s clash with Hyundai A-League club Sydney FC on Tuesday, November 27, in Sydney.



Beckham’s teammates at Westpac Stadium will include United States representative stars Landon Donovan and Cobi Jones and former Portugal international Abel Xavier.



The Wellington fixture – set up by Phoenix owner Terry Serepisos and Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata in conjunction with Fifa licensed match agent Lou Sticca and LA Galaxy assistant general manager Tom Payne – will see the Hyundai A-League’s newest club take on the Galaxy in just the American club’s second match outside the United States.



“We’re delighted to have arranged the Phoenix-Galaxy match after several months of negotiations,” said Serepisos.



“This match will be a wonderful showcase for New Zealand football and great opportunity to show the world that Wellington has a top-class football side in the Phoenix.”



Payne said the Galaxy were looking forward to fronting up to another of the class sides in the Hyundai A-League.



“It’s a real privilege to bring the Galaxy to Wellington, a remarkable city where football has really captured the public imagination.



“We would like to thank Wellington Phoenix FC owner Terry Serepisos and chief executive Tony Pignata for all of their hard work in making this match a reality.”



Detailed information regarding the historic match and specific ticketing information will be outlined soon, though Wellington Phoenix FC season members will receive priority access to tickets to the game.