Nov. 11, 2006

FRISCO, TEXAS - Two former Washington men's soccer players Joe Franchino and Craig Waibel will face off against each other when their respective teams compete in Sunday's MLS Cup Final to be held at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, at 12:30 p.m. PT. The match will be televised on ABC.

Franchino is starting defender/midfielder with the New England Revolution and Waibel is a starting defender for the Houston Dynamo. Another former Husky, 2005 graduate Mike Chabala, is also a member of the Dynamo but has spent the season on the reserve team.

Franchino and Waibel were Husky teammates under current head coach Dean Wurzberger. Franchino was a two-year letterwinner in 1996 and 1997, and Waibel was a four-year letterwinner from 1995-98.

Franchino has been a key player for the Revolution, serving as team captain the last four seasons. Waibel is one Houston's top defenders, also scoring five goals and adding an assist this season.