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Stanford's Simon Elliott Signed by L.A. Galaxy
Former Cardinal soccer standout becomes first Kiwi in MLS.
May 25, 1999
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer (MLS)
announced they have signed former Stanford star Simon Elliott to a
contract. Elliott is the Galaxy's 1999 discovery player and will fill
the fourth foreign player slot for the Galaxy. The spot opened up after
the team released Ecuadoran midfielder Jaime Caicedo.
Elliott, a native of Wellington, New Zealand, becomes the first New
Zealander to play in the MLS. He has made 36 appearances for the New
Zealand National Team and was recently named to the country's 22 player
roster for the upcoming 1999 Confederations Cup. New Zealand joins the
U.S. in Group B of that competition, along with Germany and Brazil. The
Cup runs from July 24 - August 4 and the Group B games will be held in
Guadalajara, Mexico.
Elliott spent his final 2 collegiate years at Stanford, where he led the
Cardinal to two NCAA tournament appearances and a spot in the National
Final in 1998. He led the 1998 squad with 25 points on 9 goals and 7
assists, and was named Co-Player of the Year in the MPSF as well as
NSCAA Third-Team All-American. He was drafted by the Boston Bulldogs of
the A-League and played with the Bulldogs prior to his call-up with the
Galaxy.
"We are very happy to add Simon to our roster," said Los Angeles Head
Coach Sigi Schmid. "He is very good with either foot and can play
anywhere in the midfield. He is not a typical player coming out of
college, having gained plenty of international experience with the New
Zealand National Team."
Elliott made his first appearance for the Galaxy on Sunday, entering the
match against the New England Revolution in the 35th minute of L.A.'s
1-0 win. Soccer America gave Elliott a player rating of 5 for his first
match. The Galaxy next play on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio versus the
Columbus Crew.