As part of the 2018 MLS All-Star Game in Atlanta, Georgia, MLS WORKS, ESPN, and Special Olympics are partnering to help athletes showcase their skills in the 2018 Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Soccer Experience.
The All-Star Unified Match will take place July 31st at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Each MLS team and their Special Olympics affiliates are asked to nominate an athlete, partner and chaperone to serve as their local All-Star representatives and compete against the other clubs’ athletes. The LA Galaxy is will be represented by two defenders: Lauryn De La Torre and Josue Foster. Lauryn De La Torre, 23, from Newbury Park, CA is playing in her second year on the LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified team, and Josue Foster from Los Angeles, CA is a four-year returning veteran for the LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified team.
The selection criteria includes players and partners aged 16 to 21, with high athletic ability and group leadership skills, as they will be competing in a soccer match against their competitors (30 minute halves and 10-minute halftime).
Their knack for learning new things, adapting quickly, and focusing in a fast pace environment is also heavily weighted in the decision process. The team is very excited to send these delegates to Atlanta for the 2018 Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Soccer Experience to participate in a unique experience.
The LA Galaxy SO Unified team will be reunited on September 1st as they take on Real Salt Lake Unified in Utah. Stay up to date with the team and show your support for Special Olympics Southern California by purchasing your tickets to the next LA Galaxy game at LAGalaxy.com/unifiedteam.
