March 31, 2005

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Following a successful training trip to Spain over spring break, Northwestern will play its alumni game Saturday, May 7, at the Leonard B. Thomas Athletics Complex before hosting its annual Cubs rooftop fundraiser later that day.

NU played to a 3-2-1 record in six training games while in Spain. Matt Witt led the Wildcats with six goals while Brad North scored five. NU's two losses came against second-division professional squads.

The Wildcats were also able to take in a La Liga game at Real Madrid's Bernabeu Stadium.

"It was a fantastic experience," NU Head Coach Tim Lenahan said. "From getting to witness the atmosphere of Bernabeu to meeting world-class players Santiago Solari and Walter Samuel, to playing six competitive games in the beautiful city of Marbella, Spain, the trip could not have gone better.

"The players, coaches and staff will always have the memories of traveling together as a group to one of the world's most soccer-rich cultures and doing it in perfect weather right off the Mediterranean coast."

Next up for NU is its alumni game beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at the Leonard B. Thomas Athletics Complex. Last year more than 30 alumni turned out to play in the game -- the highest turnout in recent years.

Later that day, Northwestern's men's and women's programs will host a rooftop fundraiser at the Ivy League Baseball Club for the Chicago Cubs' May 7th game against the Philadelphia Phillies. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Family, friends and other supporters of NU are welcome to the event. The Ivy League Baseball Club is located at 3637 N. Sheffield. Cost of the event is $150, which includes the game, rooftop ticket, food and refreshments.

RSVP for the event as soon as possible by calling or emailing assistant coach Justin Serpone at 847-491-9998 or j-serpone@northwestern.edu. Checks must be received by April 15th to confirm reservations, and can be sent to: Men's Soccer Office, c/o Justin Serpone, 2407 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208.

Last year's event sold out so get your reservations in soon!