Aug. 3, 2001

The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that Tom Neale will leave his position as general manager of the Earthquakes, immediately following the 2001 Major League Soccer All-Star Game on Saturday, July 28. Neale has been with San Jose in different capacities since 1997. He is leaving the Earthquakes to accept the position of Chief Operating Officer for Empire Soccer Club, which runs the MetroStars.

"It is extremely hard to leave after being vested in this organization for four and a half years, particularly given the club's success this year," said Neale. "In the end, my decision to leave San Jose is a personal, lifetime, family one because of my engagement to my fianc?, who works in New York. The timing of the decision is driven by a great opportunity with the MetroStars to remain in Major League Soccer."

In his first season in charge of the Quakes, Neale helped lead one of the most dramatic turnarounds in MLS after bringing in Head Coach Frank Yallop. In 2000, the Quakes finished last in the Western Division, but heading into the 2001 All-Star break, San Jose leads the Western Division and is third overall in MLS. Off the field the team has seen a similar upswing, as season ticket sales under Neale have increased over 42 percent, and sponsorship sales have doubled.

Neale played soccer at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in history in 1992. He was team captain for two years and a Regional All-American and All-Patriot League selection. He was named Lafayette's Student Athlete of the Year and was the Patriot League Soccer Student Athlete of the Year in 1992.

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