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Volkswagen and MLS Kick Off 'The Road to MLS Cup


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HERNDON, Va., November 14, 2008: Volkswagen of America, in partnership with Major League Soccer, kicked off "The Road to MLS Cup"; a multi-market tour bringing the newly redesigned MLS Cup trophy, named for soccer visionary Philip F. Anschutz, to the people. The three-state tour will be driven by Volkswagen, whose Routans, Jetta TDI's, Rabbits, and CC's will serve as the official MLS Cup fleet bringing the trophy to the fans. "The Road to MLS Cup" culminates in Los Angeles at the MLS Cup championship game on November 23.

"Volkswagen is excited about this phase of the partnership with Major League Soccer, which brings the MLS Cup championship trophy to soccer fans across the country," said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing for Volkswagen of America, Inc. "We see great synergies between our brand and the soccer fan base here in the U.S. Working with MLS on the 'Road to MLS Cup' allows Volkswagen to further its commitment to the sport of soccer beyond our affiliation with DC United while making a meaningful connection with our family: Hispanics and sports enthusiast customers."

Major League Soccer recently unveiled its newly redesigned MLS Cup trophy, named for soccer visionary Philip F. Anschutz. The trophy reflects the traditions of the game, while providing a dynamic and forward-looking design. Since 1996, the MLS Cup championship trophy has been presented as a symbol of the highest achievement in North America's top-flight professional soccer league.

The Philip F. Anschutz Trophy will be presented at this year's MLS Cup on Sunday, November 23 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be televised live on ABC, TeleFutura and CBC.

"Phil Anschutz has transformed the face of soccer in America," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "Through his commitment and support, Major League Soccer has become an important part of the American sports landscape and an emerging player in the global soccer scene. Phil's vision and deep love of the game have helped establish a vibrant 'Soccer Nation' in America. We are honored to name the MLS championship trophy the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy."

The new sterling silver trophy, created by Tiffany & Co., was unveiled at a morning ceremony at the jeweler's New York flagship store on Fifth Avenue. Tiffany & Co. has designed and crafted the Major League Soccer Trophy since 1999.

The Philip F. Anschutz championship trophy is 24" tall with an additional seamless base of 4 5/8". The trophy features fluid and dynamic handles that include 11 facets on the front and back, symbolizing the 22 players that participate in a soccer match. The gold star represents the championship club, which often incorporates a star into its team crest for each MLS Cup title it wins. The new trophy inherits select design elements from the previous two trophies, thereby honoring the League's history while moving forward. The bottom of the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy features a map of North America, with a star identifying the location of each MLS market.

While on tour with Volkswagen, passionate MLS fans will get to interact with the actual Philip F. Anschutz Trophy and their favorite MLS players at special events and gatherings designed to build excitement during the playoff season. Volkswagen "The Road to MLS Cup" scheduled tour stops are as follows:

  November 6 - Chicago
  November 8-9 - Houston
  November 19-23 - Los Angeles

For more information on "The Road to MLS Cup" tour bringing the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy to the people, as well as a complete listing of event details in each tour market, please visit VW ROAD TO THE MLS CUP.

In addition to the grassroots tour, Volkswagen has launched a series of six webisodes to support the "VW Road to MLS Cup" campaign. The fun and engaging webisodes follow the actions of Deb, an overly passionate and self-proclaimed "#1 soccer mom" played by Mo Collins whose past credits include Mad TV and The 40-Year-Old Virgin. In the webisodes, Deb and several leading MLS players get into all sorts of crazy predicaments while taking the new MLS Cup trophy to the Championship game in Los Angeles in Deb's Volkswagen Routan Minivan. The first two installments, entitled "It Begins" and "Juice Box" can now be seen at VW ROAD TO THE MLS CUP.