MLS, ESPN and Special Olympics have teamed up to promote an environment of social inclusion by uniting people with and without 
intellectual disabilities through Special Olympics Unified Sports®.
The cornerstone to the collaboration is the Unified Sports Soccer Exchange Program. Unified soccer teams travel to MLS markets to compete in exhibition matches scheduled in conjunction with MLS club matches. MLS Clubs provide unique experiences such as signing days, jersey unveils, buddy programs with MLS first-team players, and gameday recognition. Unified teams represent their home MLS Club, outfitted in authentic uniforms provided by Adidas.
The team will depart on Friday, August 3, for a Unified Match in Houston Texas. The initial match will be held at Houston Sports Park – 12131 Kirby Dr, Houston TX 77045. The team will play 2 – 45 min half match vs. the Unified Houston Dynamos.
Team Bios
Athletes:
- Brandon Koehn
- Emmanuel Johnson
- Grant Collins
- Joshua Galloza
- Mark Jerabok
- Mike Brennan
- Ryan McDonough
- Xavier Jimenez
Unified Partners:
The Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Soccer Experience presented by MLS WORKS & ESPN is an opportunity to showcase the athletes and partners who participate in the Unified Exchange program in local communities throughout the United States and Canada. The 2019 Unified All-Star Experience will take place from Monday, July 29 to Thursday, August 1 in Orlando, Florida as part of 2019 MLS All-Star Week festivities.Two athletes from Illinois will be participating, Allison Schaar and Mike Brennan.
