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Media Kit: Archived Press Releases
Central American Soccer Giants To Play In New Orleans Next Week
July 20, 2006The Shell Shockers have pulled off a fantastic coup by persuading a legendary Central American soccer club to come to New Orleans.
Famous Honduran professional side Olimpia will play the Shell Shockers at Pan American Stadium in City Park next Saturday July 29 at 5pm. Tickets are $20.
Head Coach Kenny Farrell said: “This is unbelievable news for the large Honduran community in the city. None of them could ever have imagined they would be able to see their heroes in the flesh right here in the Big Easy.”
Olimpia are by far the best known team in the soccer-crazy country which once went to war with neighbor El Salvador over a disputed World Cup qualifier. Their home ground is a 35,000-seater stadium in the capital Tegucigalpa and they have been national champions for the last two years.
In their illustrious 94-year history they have won the league title an unparalleled 20 times and been runners-up on 13 occasions. They have also been crowned the continent’s top club three times, lifting the CONCACAF Champions Cup in three different decades.
Los Leones (The Lions) as they are known, are the only Honduran side to have ever qualified for the FIFA World Club Championship which brings together the best club sides from all six confederations. They are also the only team in their country to have transferred a player to an Italian league side, arguably the most prestigious league on Earth.
Shell Shockers President Michael Balluff approached officials to see if they would come to New Orleans after hearing that they had arranged a pre-season training camp in Houston. He said: “This glamour friendly is our way of thanking our loyal fans for sticking with us in what has been an extremely trying season.”
Farrell meanwhile must prepare his team for what promises to be a difficult battle against one of the most talented and professional sides on the continent. He is considering bringing in a handful of ex-Shell Shockers’ stars to guest for the team to make them more competitive.
He added: “This is a chance for our young guns to test themselves against the very best, but even if we get beaten it promises to be a great day out and a welcome boost to all soccer fans in New Orleans.”