Mark Chung to Replace Tab Ramos at All-Star Game Midfielder
Making Second Appearance In Place of Injured Star

SECAUCUS, N.J. (Wednesday, July 14, 1999) - Midfielder Mark Chung has been selected by Eastern Conference All-Star Head Coach Thomas Rongen to replace the injured Tab Ramos at the All-Star Game in San Diego, California, on Saturday, July 17.

Chung, 29, has started every game for the MetroStars this season, and is tied for the team lead in assists. The left-sided midfielder was named MLS Player of the Week after his one goal, two assist performance in the MetroStars 3-2 win over the Miami Fusion on May 15 at Giants Stadium.

Chung began his professional soccer career with the San Diego Sockers of the Continental Indoor Soccer League, winning the league's Rookie of the Year award in 1995. He will make his second all-star appearance, having logged 45 minutes as a substitute in the 1997 game at Giants Stadium.

"It's an honor and a thrill to represent the MetroStars at the All-Star Game, and I'm thankful to the coaching staff for selecting me," Chung said of the announcement. "I know first-hand what a great soccer town San Diego is, and I'm eager to return."

Ramos, 32, withdrew from the game because of a right quadriceps injury he sustained in the MetroStars 2-0 loss to Chicago on July 10. Ramos, who was selected by the fans to start the game, has made only four MLS starts this season because of a variety of injuries.

The fourth annual MLS All-Star Game will be televised nationally from Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday, July 17, 1999 at 3:30 p.m. ET, live on ABC and ESPN International, bringing the game to more than 130 countries around the globe. Adding excitement is the second game of the All-Star doubleheader, which features legendary Mexican First Division club Chivas of

Guadalajara and South American soccer powerhouse Universidad Católica. The second game is scheduled to kick off at approximately 6:30 p.m. ET.

^{Courtesy MLSNET}