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» 05.30.03 - QUAKES SET TO MIX THINGS UP AGAINST CHICAGO FIRE: SAN JOSE, CA (May 30, 2003) - The only undefeated team in Major League Soccer faces a tough battle to remain that way. The Quakes enter Saturday’s nationally televised (on EPSN2) match against the Chicago Fire at 1:00 p.m. PT at Spartan Stadium with a 4-0-2 record, but with a severely depleted roster due to injuries and national team call-ups.

The Quakes and Fire fought to a 0-0 tie May 10 in Naperville, Ill. the last time the teams played; however, San Jose will be missing four starters from that match.

“I’ve never seen a team have this many injuries,” Earthquakes midfielder Richard Mulrooney said. “It is crazy to see this many people go down like this.”

Mulrooney, who played 90 minutes for the U.S. National Team Monday, May 26 against Wales, is beat up himself, suffering from a sprained right ankle and left hamstring strain. Mulrooney is doubtful to play against the Fire, joining Troy Dayak and Brian Ching as recent additions to the injured list. Dwayne De Rosario, Ronnie Ekelund and Roger Levesque still remained sidelined with injuries.

Ching strained his right hamstring on Wednesday, May 28 playing in an exhibition game against the Seattle Sounders.

“It’s not great at this point of the season to have Ching gone and these other injuries,” Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop said. “We’ll be okay, but we need to keep some healthy guys together. I don’t know what it is exactly. It is no set pattern of injuries. They have all been different things, so it hasn’t been one exact thing that we can point to and say, ‘We have to something differently.’ I’ve said all along that all the players we have here are good enough to play, and now they better be ready because they are going to get their chance.”

As the Quakes continue to be thin on the injury front, Pat Onstad, the second ranked goalkeeper in the league, will miss the match while playing with the Canadian National Team against Germany in Germany.

After using the same lineup through the first six MLS games of the season, Yallop will be forced to alter the team on the field. Jon Conway, who missed the first six games of the season while recovering from a broken right ankle, will see his first action of the season when he starts in goal. Conway last played on August 31, 2002 against D.C. United, and the four-year veteran is ready to keep up San Jose’s stingy defensive reputation.

“I know he has been looking forward to this,” Yallop said. “He’s ready to go and I have complete confidence in him.”

Ian Russell and Eddie Robinson, who have also missed the first six games with injuries, are also looking to make their first starts of the season in place of Troy Dayak and Brian Ching respectively. Yallop plans to move Brian Mullan to Ching’s forward position and place Russell in the outside midfield slot. If Mulrooney is unable to play, than Chris Ronér is likely to fill in for him in the center of the midfield.

“I’m ready to play,” Russell said. “I know I just need to go out there and do my job and get ready to run. I will probably be going against [DaMarcus] Beasley a lot. He’s a great player, so I am going to have to be prepared. I like going against guys that are on the national team, I think that gives me a little extra incentive and I am going to need all of that against these guys.”

Robinson, who proved to be a rock for the Quakes defense in 2002 also knows he has his work cut out for him, stepping into his first action against the Fire’s forward line featuring high-scoring Ante Razov.

“He’s a big, strong player,” Robinson said. “He is a very difficult player to guard, because he is able to hurt you in so many ways. He is dangerous from far away, so you can’t give him to much space at any time.”

The Quakes have been successful at Spartan Stadium, and are hoping that their home-field magic will compensate for the loss of their 2003 leading scorer and goalkeeper, and midfield leader.

“I’m confident in this team,” Yallop said. “It tells a lot about this team to go into Seattle and get a draw like they did. That isn’t an easy place to play. The guys who are going to play will be fine. I know that Brian Mullan is a 90-minute player and will always keep the defense honest. He is a hard-working player who always seems to get into a good position to score goals. This week we are going to have two nippy guys up front going against some big defenders.”

Mullan will team with Landon Donovan, who also played 90 minutes for the United States on May 26 as the two forwards in what could be Donovan’s final game for the Quakes until July. Donovan was named to the roster for the U.S. National Team in the FIFA Confederations Cup and will leave to train with the team on June 1. There is a chance that Donovan will be available for the Quakes June 7 match in Columbus.

“I think all you have to do is look at what this team has gone through already,” Robinson said. “We’ve had a lot of guys hurt and missing games, but we’ve come together and played well. Chicago is a good team and this is going to be a tough game, but I see no reason why we won’t be able to do that tomorrow.”

Quakes Notes:

With more injuries striking the team, the Quakes have added some reinforcements. 2003 MLS SuperDraft pick Johanes Maliza was signed Friday, May 30 to a Developmental Contract. Maliza will be available for action on Saturday, May 31 against the Chicago Fire. From SJEarthquakes.com.

» 05.30.03 - U.S. Men's National Team to Unveil Retro Jerseys for June 8 Sendoff Match Against New Zealand: CHICAGO (Thursday, May 29, 2003) — In continuation of the celebration of the 90-year Anniversary of U.S. Soccer, the U.S. Men’s National Team will wear a special limited edition Retro Jersey for the June 8 match against New Zealand in Richmond. Kickoff for the USA’s sendoff match to the FIFA Confederations Cup is set for 1 p.m. ET, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and the Radio Unica network. Fans can follow the match live online via ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker, presented by Philips Electronics.

The retro jersey matches the style of the uniform worn by the United States in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, in which the United States produced one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. A crowd of 10,151 at Estadio Independencia in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, witnessed the U.S. stun tournament favorites England, 1-0, on June 29, 1950. U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame forward Joseph Gaetjens produced the historic goal in the 37th minute, heading home a long shot from midfielder Walter Bahr past English goalkeeper Bert Williams to shock England and the rest of the soccer world. The historic victory will be the subject of an upcoming feature film, currently titled The Game of Their Lives, which is currently in production.

The jersey, designed by Nike, is predominately white with a blue diagonal sash and bears the emblem of the old United States Soccer Football Association. Beginning today, fans will be able to pre-order this limited-edition jersey by logging on to ussoccerstore.com. Additionally, a limited number will be on sale at the stadium in Richmond on matchday.

Tickets for the U.S. match in Richmond, which is part of a doubleheader which includes the Richmond Kickers vs. Atlanta Silverbacks at 3:30 p.m, range in price from $18 to $40 and can be purchased through all Richmond area Ticketmaster outlets (including Ukrop's Supermarket, Farm Fresh and Hecht's), by phone at 804-262-8100 (Richmond), 757-671-8100 (Virginia Beach), or 800-527-6384 (Northern Virginia), and on-line at ussoccer.com. Information on group discounts can be obtained by calling 312-528-1290.

The match against New Zealand will serve as the team’s final tuneup prior to the U.S. Men's National Team’s participation in the FIFA Confederations Cup, and comes just 11 days prior to the USA’s opening match against Turkey on June 19 in St. Etienne, France. The U.S. will also face World Cup champions Brazil (June 21) and African champions Cameroon (June 23) during group play. As OFC Champions, New Zealand will face France, Colombia and Japan in Group A of the prestigious eight-team international competition. From USSoccer.com.

» 05.30.03 - Arena Names 23-Man Roster For FIFA Confederations Cup: CHICAGO (Friday, May 30, 2003) - United States Men’s National Team Manager Bruce Arena has selected a 23-man roster to represent the U.S. in the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup to be held June 18-29 in France. The squad will begin training camp on June 1 in Washington, D.C., and will depart on June 11 for their home base in Lyon.

"We have selected a group of players that combines experience and youth," said Arena, who has led the U.S. to a 4-1-1 record in 2003. "The Confederations Cup presents a great challenge to our team and an opportunity to compete against some of the best countries in the world. For many of these players, it will be their first experience in a competition of this caliber, so the games can only benefit our group as we progress towards World Cup qualifying in 2004."

As part of their preparation, the U.S. will play a send-off match against New Zealand on June 8 in Richmond, Va. Kickoff at the University of Richmond Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and Radio Unica. Fans can also follow the match live on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker, presented by Philips Electronics. In continuation of the celebration of the 90-year Anniversary of U.S. Soccer, the U.S. Men’s National Team will wear a special limited edition Retro Jersey that matches the style of the uniform worn by the 1950 U.S. World Cup team that defeated England 1-0 in Brazil.

Ten players from the U.S. squad that reached the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup will head to France. Landon Donovan, tied for the scoring lead for the USA in 2003, was one of five players to start all five matches in Korea and netted two goals. MetroStars defender Eddie Pope, also a five-time starter in Korea, is joined by fellow backliner Gregg Berhalter. D.C. United midfielder Earnie Stewart is a veteran of three World Cups and the USA’s all-time leader in World Cup appearances (11). Preston North End midfielder Eddie Lewis, the Chevrolet Man of the Match in the 2-0 win against Wales on May 26, has four goals and nine assists in 44 appearances for the senior team. Hannover 96 defender Steve Cherundolo, on the roster but injured in Korea, joins the U.S. squad for the second time since last June.

Five players on the roster were a part of the team that placed third in the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup in Mexico. Along with fellow 2002 World Cup veteran Frankie Hejduk and Birmingham City forward Jovan Kirovski, Berhalter, Lewis and Stewart were all part of the side that defeated Saudi Arabia in the third-place match after beating New Zealand and Germany in the group phase. Kirovski scored the game-winning goal in the USA’s 2-1 win against New Zealand in the opening match, before the U.S. team fell to eventual champions Mexico 1-0 in the semifinal. The U.S. qualified for the tournament on one other occasion, collecting a third-place finish in a four-team tournament in Saudi Arabia ’92.

MLS makes a major contribution to the effort, as 16 players on the roster ply their trade in the domestic league. The MetroStars, Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire send the largest contingent, each contributing three players to Confederations Cup squad. MetroStars forward Clint Mathis leads the way, having completed 2002 as the U.S. MNT’s leading scorer with seven goals and three assists. Tim Howard, a member of the 2002 MLS Best XI, holds a 4-1-1 record for the MNT, with two shutouts.

Fire defender Carlos Bocanegra, the 2002 MLS defender of the Year, is tied with Donovan at the head of the U.S. scoring charts in 2003, recording the first two goals of his national team career. Fire team captain Chris Armas is joined by midfielder DaMarcus Beasley, the youngest player to appear on the 2002 World Cup roster.

Youth is well served on the France roster. In addition to Beasley, a pair of MLS award winners make their first trip to an international tournament with the senior team. Revolution forward Taylor Twellman led the league in scoring in 2002 with 23 goals and six assists, while Columbus Crew midfielder Kyle Martino was voted Rookie of the Year. D.C. United midfielder Bobby Convey, a member of the U.S. U-17 and U-20 teams that competed at the World Youth Championships, is the youngest player on the roster, having celebrated his 20th birthday just five days ago.

The U.S. will travel to France without a few familiar faces. U.S. captain Claudio Reyna is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered last November, and is targeting the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July for a return to action. Tottenham-based goalkeeper Kasey Keller has a similar rehabilitation schedule after undergoing minor surgery to remove bone chips from his elbows. Fellow international ‘keeper Brad Friedel is receiving a much-needed break after playing in 52 competitive matches in less than a year, while forward Brian McBride is given a similar opportunity after playing continuously since January of 2002.

Arena has named four alternates for the U.S. roster. New England Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston scored the first goal of his national team career vs. Canada earlier this year and has ten caps. Kansas City Wizards defender Nick Garcia has played four times for the U.S., all in 2003. Also making the reserve’s list is San Jose midfielder Richard Mulrooney and F.C. St. Pauli defender Cory Gibbs.

The USA will defend its regional championship in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup to be held from July 12-23 in Boston, Miami and Mexico City. In Group C action, the U.S. meets El Salvador (July 12) and Martinique (July 14), with both matches to be played at Gilette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.

U.S. CONFEDERATION’S CUP ROSTER FACTS

Average Age: 26.1 years
Average Caps: 24.4
Oldest Player: Earnie Stewart (34 years, 89 days when the tournament begins on June 18)
Youngest Player: Bobby Convey (20 years, 22 days old when the tournament begins on June 18)
Player with the Fewest Caps: Joe Cannon (0 caps, as of 5/30/03)
Player with the Most Caps: Earnie Stewart (87 caps, as of 5/30/03)

U.S. Men's National Team
International Friendly vs. New Zealand/FIFA Confederations Cup
June 8, Richmond, Va. / June 18-29 – France
Armas, Chris Chicago Fire (MLS)
Beasley, DaMarcus Chicago Fire (MLS)
Berhalter, Gregg Energie Cottbus (Germany)
Bocanegra, Carlos Chicago Fire (MLS)
Califf, Dan Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
Cannon, Joe R.C. Lens (France)
Cherundolo, Steve Hannover 96 (Germany)
Convey, Bobby D.C. United (MLS)
Cunningham, Jeff Columbus Crew (MLS)
Donovan, Landon San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Hahnemann, Marcus Reading FC (England)
Hejduk, Frankie Columbus Crew (MLS)
Howard, Tim MetroStars (MLS)
Kirovski, Jovan Birmingham City (England)
Klein, Chris Kansas City Wizards (MLS)
Lewis, Eddie Preston North End (England)
Martino, Kyle Columbus Crew (MLS)
Mastroeni, Pablo Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Mathis, Clint MetroStars (MLS)
Pope, Eddie MetroStars (MLS)
Stewart, Earnie D.C. United (MLS)
Twellman, Taylor New England Revolution (MLS)
Vanney, Greg F.C. Bastia (France)

Alternates (4): Nick Garcia (Kansas City Wizards), Cory Gibbs (FC St. Pauli), Richard Mulrooney (San Jose Earthquakes), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution).

- U.S. Men’s National Team Staff -
Head Coach: Bruce Arena (Fairfax, Va.)
Assistant Coach: Glenn Myernick (Denver)
Assistant Coach: Curt Onalfo (Oak Hill, Va.)
Goalkeeper Coach: Milutin Soskic (Bakersfield, Calif.)
Strength Coach: Pierre Barrieu (Charlottesville, Va.)
General Manager: Pam Perkins (Evanston, Ill.)
Trainers: Nelson Minn (Wilmington, Del.) / Jim Hashimoto (Wilmington, Del.) / Bruce Snell (Seattle) / Dave Andrews (Seattle)
Team Doctors: Bill Hazel (Herndon, Va.) / Mel Hayashi (Los Angeles) - Bert Mandelbaum (Los Angeles)
Chiropractor: George Billauer (Los Angeles)
Equipment Manager: Joe Ahearn (Chicago)
Press Officer: Michael Kammarman (Chicago)

From USSoccer.com.

» 05.30.03 - EARTHQUAKES EARN 0-0 TIE AGAINST SEATTLE SOUNDERS: SEATTLE, WA (May 28, 2003) —The San Jose Earthquakes earned a 0-0 tie in an exhibition match against the A-League’s Seattle Sounders at Seahawks Stadium. The Earthquakes played the match without Landon Donovan, Jeff Agoos and Richard Mulrooney, who all played 90 minutes for the United States National Team on Monday night. The all-time series between the two teams remains tied (2-2-1) as neither team could find the back of the net.

Brian Ching nearly got off to a perfect start in his return to Seattle, where he played in 2002, as he had a shot from inside the box one minute into the match, but Sounders goalkeeper Rich Cullen made the stop.

Quakes rookie goalkeeper Josh Saunders made an impressive stop moments later after Sounders midfielder Sean Michael Callahan found some space behind the Quakes defense. Callahan moved into the left side of the box and shot to the far post. Saunders dove to his left and made the stop with his outstretched left arm and the ball was cleared away by the Quakes defense.

Ching was again involved in the 18th minute as he collected a cross from Todd Dunivant and shot wide of the right post. Just two minutes later, however, Ching went down with a right hamstring strain and was subbed out for Brian Mullan. Ching will be re-evaluated on Thursday.

Saunders again made a tough save to keep the match scoreless in the 32nd minute after a turnover by Craig Waibel. Waibel attempted to head the ball back to Saunders, but Kyle Smith stepped in front of the pass and volleyed a shot on goal. Saunders got his body on the shot and deflected it up in the air before leaping to collect the rebound.

After a scoreless first half, the Sounders nearly took the lead in the opening three minutes of the second half. Smith received a pass on the right wing and swung a cross to the back post for Callahan, who slid in and half-volleyed a shot just wide of the post.

The Quakes earned a chance of their own eight minutes later when Mullan found guest player Nelson Santana with a through ball. Santana moved into the box and fired a low shot, which Cullen saved to his left.

The Sounders continued to apply pressure in the 58th minute with a flurry of shots in front of Saunder’s goal. Sounders forward Marco Velez took the first shot, which was saved by Saunders, but the rebound came back to Velez. He shot again and Eddie Robinson deflected the shot to the right of the net. Smith gathered the rebound and shot high, but Waibel was there to block the shot over the net.

Saunders kept his shutout intact with a breakaway save in the 64th minute on Smith. Smith intercepted a pass deep in the Quakes half and broke in on Saunders. He drove a shot to Saunders right, but Saunders dove and punched the ball away.

Quakes forward Jamil Walker got a cross from Manny Lagos in the 79th minute and had a chance to put the Quakes on top. After receiving the cross, Walker volleyed a shot over the crossbar.

The Earthquakes return to Major League Soccer action this Saturday, May 31 at Spartan Stadium against the Chicago Fire. The match begins at 1:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on ESPN2. The first 10,000 fans will receive an Earthquakes visor, presented by Pepsi.

Notes:

For the fifth time in five games between San Jose and Seattle, neither the Quakes nor the Sounders could earn a win in regulation. The series between the teams is currently tied at 2-2-1, with the wins for both teams coming via shootout or in overtime.

Quakes forward Brian Ching started the game as the captain against his former team. When he went down with a hamstring injury in the 20th minute, the captain’s armband was passed on to former Sounder Ian Russell. When Russell came out at halftime, the armband was given to another former Sounder Craig Waibel for the entire second half.

Quotes:

Frank Yallop, on game: “Overall, I think we put on a good performance. Anytime you are on the road and you don’t concede a goal, you have to be happy. Also, I think that we created some good chances to score, so I am happy about that.”

Yallop, on Josh Saunders: “He had a very good game. He made a number of good saves and helped us earn the shutout. I thought he and the other young players all had solid games.”

Josh Saunders, on game: “The team really gave me confidence to play well. They work so hard out there to shut down their offense, so that makes me want to play well. I am glad to get a game in also. It is always nice to play 90 minutes.”

Brian Ching, on reception from fans: “I love Seattle. The fans here are great. They supported me very well when I was here and now they are still supporting me even though I am playing somewhere else.” From SJEarthquakes.com.

» 05.30.03 - U.S. Men Defeat Wales, 2-0, in First-Ever Meeting; Ends Wales' 10-Game Unbeaten Streak: SAN JOSE, Calif. (Monday, May 26, 2003) - The U.S. Men’s National Team used goals from former and current San Jose Earthquakes stars to earn their first ever win at Spartan Stadium, a 2-0 result against Wales tonight in front of 12,282 fans in San Jose. Forward Landon Donovan converted a penalty kick in the 41st minute to give the U.S. a 1-0 halftime lead, while Chevrolet Man of the Match Eddie Lewis skipped a low shot under Wales goalkeeper Darren Ward in the 59th minute for the final margin.

“I thought our team played well,” said U.S. Manager Bruce Arena. “It was a good experience for our young players. It was good for me to look at these players in this type of situation. I benefited from the game, and the players did as well. Overall, I was pleased with the performance.”

The U.S owned the majority of possession in the first half, with the team attacking well down the flanks with Lewis on the left and D.C. midfielder Earnie Stewart patrolling the right side of the field.

The U.S. had an early chance off a quick counter, as Lewis made a trademark run down the left flank and sent in an early cross that skipped across the Welsh goalmouth, but the Wales defense had the far post covered and sent it out for a corner kick.

The U.S. had another golden opportunity to score in the 21st minute when Landon Donovan lofted a pass to Bobby Convey, who had streaked past the Welsh defense through the center of the penalty area, but the pass was a bit too tall and Convey was unable to put a head to it.

The USA finally got on the board in the 41st minute after Jovan Kirovski was brought down in the box by defender Matthew Jones, resulting in a penalty kick. Donovan stepped up to the spot and drilled a shot into the upper right corner of the goal as goalkeeper Paul Jones dove low to his right.

In the 47th minute, Matthew Jones received a second caution and subsequent ejection for an illegal handball as Lewis tried to loop a ball around him on the dribble. It marked only the 10th time in the history of the Welsh Men’s National team that a player received a red card.

The U.S. made it 2-0 in the 59th minute after Greg Vanney’s individual effort beating a pair of Welsh defenders down the left flank freed Lewis inside the box for his low shot that went under the arms of Welsh goalkeeper Darren Ward, who came on at halftime for starter Paul Jones.

San Jose Earthquakes forward Brian Ching came on in the 75th minute to make his U.S. Men’s National team debut and almost scored on his first touch, but he volleyed a perfect Earnie Stewart cross just wide of the right post.

“I think my partnership with Landon can only help me to get back to the national team,” said Ching. “Bruce told me if I keep playing well, there’s a good chance for me to get called back in the near future.”

Two other players earned their first MNT cap, as Ryan Suarez started in central defense and played 77 minutes, while 2003 MLS SuperDraft #1 pick Alecko Eskandarian made his debut by coming on in the 89th minute for Jovan Kirovski. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando, in his first start for the U.S. MNT, posted a shutout and was forced to make just one save.

“It felt good to finally get a full game. To go the full 90 minutes is just what I’ve always wanted,” said Rimando, who was making just his third appearance for the U.S. “The U.S. is known for its goalkeepers. We have the best in the world. And when you have guys like Brad Friedel, Tim Howard and Kasey Keller in front of you, you just have to wait your turn.”

The U.S. next plays fellow Confederation’s Cup participant New Zealand on Sunday, June 8 at the University of Richmond Stadium in Richmond, Va. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

From June 18-29, the U.S. joins the champions of the six regional confederations around the world and two guest teams in the FIFA Confederations Cup in France. The U.S. will face World Cup champions Brazil, third-place finishers Turkey, and African champion Cameroon in the opening round of the tournament. The U.S. qualified for the event by capturing the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup, a title which they will defend from July 12-23 in Boston, Miami and Mexico City. Playing at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, the Americans will face El Salvador and Martinique in Group B action.

U.S. Men’s National Team Game Report

Match-up: United States Men's National Team vs. Wales
Date: May 26, 2003
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: Spartan Stadium – San Jose, Calif.
Kickoff: 7 p.m. (PT)
Attendance: 12,282
Weather: 72 degrees; sunny, mild

Scoring Summary:

1st Half: USA 1, Wales 0
2nd Half: USA 1, Wales 0
Final: USA 2, Wales 0

Scoring:
USA – Landon Donovan (penalty kick) 41st minute.
USA – Eddie Lewis (Greg Vanney) 59.

Lineups: USA: 18-Nick Rimando; 4-Greg Vanney, 12-Jeff Agoos (Capt.), 3-C.J. Brown, 16-Ryan Suarez (2-Mike Petke, 78); 22-Richard Mulrooney, 15-Bobby Convey (21-Brian Ching, 75), 7-Eddie Lewis, 8-Earnie Stewart (5-Manny Lagos, 83); 10-Landon Donovan, 9-Jovan Kirovski (11-Alecko Eskandarian, 89).
Subs not used: 1-Joe Cannon, 14-Ben Olsen, 17-Claudio Reyna.

WAL: 1-Paul Jones (21-Darren Ward, 46); 3-David Vaughan, 4-Andy Melville (Capt.), 5-Adrian Williams, 2 - Matthew Jones (ejected, 48); 11-Jason Koumas, 6-Mark Pembridge (12-Carl Robinson, 78), 8-Andy Johnson, 10-Simon Davies; 7-John Oster (18-David Pipe, 70), 9-Gareth Taylor (15-Neil Roberts, 57).
Subs not used: 14-Paul Trollope, 16-Christian Roberts, 17-Rhys Day, 19-Matthew Rees.

Stats Summary:
Shots USA 12, WAL 7
Saves USA 1, WAL 3
Corner Kicks USA 6, WAL 7
Fouls USA 19, WAL 17
Offside USA 2, WAL 0

Misconduct Summary:
WAL – Matthew Jones (caution) 39th minute.
WAL – Matthew Jones (caution) 48.
WAL – Matthew Jones (ejection) 48.
WAL – Mark Pembridge (caution) 61.
USA – Ryan Suarez (caution) 69.
WAL – John Oster (caution) 70.

Referee: Benito Archundia Tellez (MEX)
Senior Assistant Referee: Rafael Herrera Aguirre (MEX)
Junior Assistant Referee: Jose Ramirez Diaz (MEX)
Fourth Official: Ricardo Valenzuela (USA)

Chevrolet Man of the Match: Eddie Lewis From USSoccer.com.

» 05.26.03 - Exhibition match with Seattle Sounders: This Week's Match-Up The Earthquakes get back to action this week with two matches after having the Memorial Day weekend off. The Quakes week begins with an exhibition match against the A-League's Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, May 28 at Seahawks Stadium in Seattle at 7:00 p.m. PT. The Quakes will travel to Seattle Wednesday morning and return on Thursday. The Quakes return to MLS play this Saturday, May 31 when they take on the Chicago Fire at 1:00 p.m. PT at Spartan Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN2. The teams played to a 0-0 tie on May 10 at Cardinal Stadium in Naperville, Ill. After six games, the Quakes sit on top of the Western Conference with a 4-0-2 record, the best start in club history. From SJEarthquakes.com.

» 05.26.03 - U.S. Men Face Wales Monday at 7 p.m. PT in San Jose: (5/25/03 4:46 PM) SAN JOSE SWITCH: Earthquakes defender Ramiro Corrales has been excused from the U.S. team due to a death in the family, and will be replaced by 'Quakes teammate Manny Lagos. The 31-year old midfielder has two caps for the full national team, last appearing for the U.S. in the 2-1 win against Korea in the Gold Cup on January 19, 2001. Lagos will join the group for the team's final training session tonight at Spartan Stadium at 7 p.m. PT. The United States hosts the first-ever meeting against Wales on Monday, May 26 in San Jose. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and the Radio Unica network, as well as same-day delay on Telemundo (11:30 p.m. ET/PT). Fans can also follow live online via ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker, presented by Philips Electronics.

BACK TO SPARTAN STADIUM: The U.S. MNT has made two previous trips to the campus of San Jose State University, on either side of the World Cup in 1998. Former MNT head coach Steve Sampson's side met FYR Macedonia in a World Cup tuneup on May 16, with Thomas Dooley captaining the side to a 0-0 draw before 23,861 fans. In November of that same year, Bruce Arena era debuted against Australia, with the teams battling to a scoreless draw.

WALES ON A ROLL: Wales has been one of the sport’s biggest stories in qualifying play for the 2004 European Championship. After four games, the small country of 2.9 million people has gone 4-0-0, outscoring Finland, Italy and Azerbaijan by a combined score of 10-1. On Oct. 16, 2002, Wales shocked three-time World Cup champion Italy with a 2-1 win in Euro qualifying that put them in control of their group. The Welsh are riding a ten-match unbeaten run, the longest in its 127 years of international competition, and have risen to #50 in the FIFA World Rankings.

OUTSIDE THE LINES: D.C. United midfielder Bobby Convey appeared live from San Jose on ESPN's Outside the Lines this morning, discussing his move as young high school star into Major League Soccer as part of a discussion on child prodigy athletes. The show featured an eight-minute segment on U.S. Under-17 national team midfielder Freddy Adu.

REYNA'S RANGERS ROMP: U.S. midfielder Claudio Reyna followed the most anticipated final match day in SPL history, as his former club battled for their second trophy of the Scottish campaign. Rangers and Celtic were tied on both points and goal difference heading into Sunday's season finale, with Rangers hosting Dunfermline while the "Bhoyz" faced an away match at Kilmarnock. The afternoon turned into an absolute goal bonanza, as Celtic was ahead 3-0 and in command on goal difference after 53 minutes, while their cross-town rivals held a 3-1 advantage. Rangers came roaring back, scoring another three (including two goals in three minutes) to secure their world-record 50th league championship with a final score of 6-1 at Ibrox Stadium.

GOING BACK TO CALI: The U.S. MNT has played 61 times in the state of California, by far the most appearances in any state in the nation. Playing in 13 different venues, the USA holds a lifetime record of 29-15-17. The largest victory came in 1993, when the U.S. defeated the Cayman Islands 8-1 in Mission Viejo. The largest crowds ever to witness a U.S. match turned out in support of the host nation in the 1994 World Cup, as 93,869 fans packed into the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for the USA's group matches against Colombia and Romania.

NEW TO THE BOOTH: U.S. Soccer fans will welcome a familiar face to the broadcasters' booth, as ESPN International commentator Tommy Smyth joins the broadcast team. Smyth, one of the most recognizable voices in soccer during the 2002 World Cup and the host of a weekly soccer segment on ESPN News, will provide analysis alongside play-by-play man Rob Stone.

QUICK HITS:

Bobby Convey and Landon Donovan are the only players on the roster who have appeared in all of the USA's first five matches in 2003

On this roster, C.J. Brown has spent the longest amount of time between appearances for the MNT, last playing for the U.S. in the 1-1 draw against Ireland in the Nike U.S. Cup on June 6, 2000

Wales will become the 79th country to face the United States in the 90-year history of the U.S. Soccer Federation. From USSoccer.com.

» 05.26.03 - EARTHQUAKES MAN OF THE MATCH Q & A: Landon Donovan May 17, 2003

Previous: Pat Onstad May 10, 2003 at Chicago
Next: May 31, 2003 vs. Chicago

After some low-scoring games, last Saturday saw an offensive outburst by both teams. Why were both offenses able to create so many chances on Saturday?

I am not sure. We wanted to go for a win and so when they tied the game a few times, we just kept going forward to make sure we would get the win and that made the game a little more wide open. The main reason for the high score is that both teams took their chances well. In another game, there might be equal chances, but the teams don’t take them.

Does it feel good to get back and score a goal and set up another one after having a short scoreless drought?

Definitely. I came into the game not wanting to think about being tired, because if you do that, you play tired. But I had a bad first half, so I really wanted to have a good second half. I fired myself up at halftime and I am glad that I could contribute.

Has it been difficult to maintain your focus the past two weeks as you have played five games with three different teams? How much do you have to adapt when switching from club team to national team to youth national team?

It has been a difficult two weeks. Physically and mentally, I am a little drained, but those two factors were not big problems. The hardest thing about the past two weeks has been playing with three different teams and adapting to how different players play. With your club team, you practice every day so you know people’s tendencies, but with the national team, you have to concentrate in every practice to learn how everyone plays. You have to be very focused in every training session to get team cohesiveness very quickly.

You seemed inspired and determined to lead the team to the win in the second half on Saturday. What gave you that extra boost in the second half?

I felt like I was awful in the first half. It was unacceptable and I was angry with myself. I said to myself, “You’re better than that.” I knew I had some time off coming up, so I told myself to go all out for those last 45 minutes. When Brian Ching scored coming out of halftime that really pumped me up, and everything just went from there.

The Quakes have gone undefeated for six straight games to start the season, marking the best start in club history. What is the biggest reason for the hot start?

There are a lot of factors. Having the same team every week helps a lot. In my first year here in 2001, I realized how important that was. Also, I think that we have a great team here. No matter the situation, everyone is working for the person next to him. If someone is not playing well, the guy next to him is picking him up or if someone is not playing well offensively, they are playing good defensively. You don’t see that a lot in this league.

Brian Ching and you are working well up front. What are the keys to your success together when paired at forward?

He is easy to play with. He is a dream partner for me because he does a lot of the things that I don’t want to do, which allows me to focus on being the player that I want to be. I think that we balance each other very well. We also feed off of each other. If I see him challenging for headers, then I start doing it to, or if he sees me take someone on, he will do it also. From SJEarthquakes.com.

» 05.24.03 - U.S. Men's National Team Training Camp Notes: May 23, 2003: ALL ACCOUNTED FOR: The 18-man contingent assembled by Bruce Arena for Monday's match against Wales (May 26, 7 p.m. PT on ESPN2 and Radio Unica, delayed on Telemundo) completed their second day of training in San Jose, with FC Bastia-based defender Greg Vanney becoming the final arrival. The former Los Angeles Galaxy defender was forced to spend Wednesday night in Paris awaiting his luggage. The team trained for a little over an hour Wednesday evening, capped by a small-field scrimmage. San Jose forward Brian Ching wasted little time in leaving an impression on the coaching staff, netting two goals. Under balmy conditions typical of the Bay Area, Arena put the team through the paces of a 90-minute session Thursday, with U.S. captain Claudio Reyna able to participate as a 'neutral' throughout the exercises. The team resumes training this afternoon.

UNCAPPED: Four players on the U.S. roster will be seeking their first appearance with the full national team. In addition to Ching, former Quakes goalkeeper Joe Cannon comes to camp after a six-month spell with RC Lens in the French First Division. While playing several matches with Lens reserves, Cannon impressed manager Joël Muller with both his ability and work-rate. The 2002 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year participated in the MNT training camp in Bradenton in January, prior to signing with the French club. MLS number one draft pick Alecko Eskandarian gets his first call up to the senior team. The D.C. United forward led the U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team in scoring with seven goals and two assists in just eight games in 2002, while being named the first recipient of the unified M.A.C. Hermann Trophy as the nation's college Player of the Year. Dallas defender Ryan Suarez, a San Jose State alum, rounds out the rookie club.

DO YOU KNOW THE WAY? Eddie Lewis is making a return to San Jose and Spartan Stadium for the first time since departing for England three years ago. An original member of the then-San Jose Clash, Lewis played 115 games over four years from 1996-99, collecting nine goals and 35 assists. His assist mark still stands at number two all-time for San Jose, behind Ronald Cerritos. Lewis posted four goals and 14 assists in 1999, earning a spot on the MLS All-Star team and the season-ending Best XI. The Cerritos, California, native had his most productive season of his three years in England, scoring five goals in 33 appearance in league play for Preston North End.

MAIDEN VOYAGE: U.S. Manager Bruce Arena will feel a bit of nostalgia Monday night, returning to the stadium where his career as head of the U.S. national team took its first step. On November 6, 1998, Arena coached his first game as the U.S. drew 0-0 with Australia at Spartan Stadium. Four players on the current roster were on the field that day (Jeff Agoos, Ben Olsen, Eddie Lewis, C.J. Brown). During the next four years, the enigmatic Arena would become the winningest coach in U.S. history, collecting 37 victories and leading the United States to its highest-ever ranking (# 8) in the world.

CALIFORNIA CONNECTION: Half of the players on the 18-man roster list cities in California as their hometowns. Closest to home is Fire defender C.J. Brown, who grew up just north of San Jose in Hayward, and played his college ball at San Jose State on the friendly confines of Spartan Stadium. While the split between SoCal and NoCal is almost evenly dispersed, the influence of the West Coast in both MLS and the U.S. MNT has steadily risen. Look for a segment on the "California Kids" at halftime of this Monday's telecast on ESPN2.

THEY SAID IT:

San Jose Earthquakes captain JEFF AGOOS, on his first match with the MNT since the 2002 World Cup:

"It's always an honor to play for your country. As long as I'm playing my goal is to play at the highest level, which is the national team."

On the satisfaction of having so many San Jose players on the roster: "I think it's long overdue. We've had players who have flown under the radar level, and this gives us a great opportunity for exposure at the international level."

San Jose Earthquakes defender RAMIRO CORRALES, on returning to the national team after a six-year absence: "It's a little different this time, since I'm older and I know the players much better. It's definitely more intense, with everyone trying to make the team. I'm getting to know Bruce [Arena], and finding what his expectations are. Hopefully, I play a little bit on Monday, but I'm just happy to be here."

Chicago Fire defender C.J. BROWN, on returning to play at Spartan Stadium at his alma mater, San Jose State University: "It's great to be back home. My first game with the full national team was here in 1998, and getting to play in my home area with my parents able to come watch was something special. I loved my time at San Jose State. I got to go to school, and my parents could come watch me play. MLS had just started back then, and having the San Jose Clash close by kept me motivated to keep pursuing soccer."

On getting the call-up for the first time in almost two years: "This is probably the one time I didn't mind getting a red card (in the Fire's 3-1 loss to New England last weekend). I know what the national team has done in the past few years, and I want to make a good impression. It's always a different speed when you come to the national team, so it takes a bit of adjusting. You have to be on your game every day." From USSoccer.com.

» 05.20.03 - Arena Names 18-Man Roster for May 26 Match with Wales: CHICAGO (Tuesday, May 20, 2003) - U.S. Men’s National Team manager Bruce Arena announced a 18-man squad for the first-ever meeting against Wales on Monday, May 26 at Spartan Stadium in San Jose. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and the Radio Unica network, as well as same-day delay on Telemundo (11:30 p.m. ET/PT). Fans can also follow live online via ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker, presented by Philips Electronics.

”The Wales match gives us an opportunity to see several of our European-based players for the first time this year,” said Arena. “The game provides a chance for our team to begin to build momentum as we prepare for the upcoming tournaments this summer.”

Four players return from Europe after completing their league seasons, led by former San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Eddie Lewis. Lewis, whose perfectly placed cross to Landon Donovan helped secure the 2-0 win against Mexico in the Round of 16 clash in the 2002 World Cup, enjoyed his finest season as a professional in 2002 after making three appearances for the U.S. in Korea. FC Bastia defender Greg Vanney rejoins the U.S. camp after suffering a knee injury against Jamaica on May 16, 2002 that forced him from the World Cup roster just prior to the team’s departure.

The roster for the Wales encounter has a distinctly local flavor, with five players coming from the host San Jose Earthquakes. Jeff Agoos, third on the USA’s all-time capwinners list with 133 appearances, makes his first appearance with the U.S. since the historic quarterfinal run in the 2002 World Cup. Donovan has already collected one goal and two assists in five games this year, including Chevrolet Man of the Match honors in the 4-0 win against Canada on Jan. 18. He is joined by ‘Quakes strike partner Brian Ching, who will be searching for his debut cap with the senior national team. San Jose also welcomes back the 2002 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Joe Cannon, who left in January of this year to ply his trade with RC Lens in the French First Division.

D.C. United sends a six-man contingent to San Jose, led by three-time World Cup veteran Earnie Stewart. Bobby Convey, who at 19 years old has already represented the United States at World Championships as a member of the Under-20 and Under-17 men’s national teams, is one of two players to be called in for all six of the USA’s matches in 2003. Making his debut in a senior national team camp is the number one pick in the 2003 MLS Draft, Alecko Eskandarian.

The Wales match also marks the return of midfielder Claudio Reyna to a USA camp. Sidelined since Oct. 26, 2002, after suffering a torn ACL, Reyna continues his rehabilitation process and is not expected to see action.

The U.S. vs. Wales contest will mark just the third-ever match for the U.S. men in San Jose, where the team will be looking for their first goal at the 26,000 seat Spartan Stadium. In their two previous matches, the U.S. played to two 0-0 draws, one against F.Y.R. Macedonia just prior to the 1998 World Cup, and one against Australia on Nov. 16, 1998, in Arena’s head coaching debut with the MNT.

Advance tickets are still available in the $25-$70 range and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets (including Tower Records and Rite Aid), by phone (San Jose 408-998-8497; San Francisco 415-421-8497; Oakland 510-625-8497), and on-line at ussoccer.com [Click here for complete ticket information].

After the most successful year in U.S. Soccer history in 2002, the U.S. MNT has opened 2003 with a 3-1-2 record, with three of those results being shutouts. In June the U.S. will face Turkey (June 19), 2002 World Cup champion Brazil (June 21) and Cameroon (June 23) in the FIFA Confederations Cup in France. The USA will defend its regional championship in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup to be held from July 12-23 in Boston, Miami and Mexico City.

USMNT Roster

Jeff Agoos, C.J. Brown, Joe Cannon, Brian Ching, Bobby Convey, Ramiro Corrales, Landon Donovan, Alecko Eskandarian, Jovan Kirovski, Eddie Lewis, Richard Mulrooney, Ben Olsen, Mike Petke, Claudio Reyna, Nick Rimando, Earnie Stewart, Ryan Suarez, Greg Vanney

*Denotes player on the San Jose Earthquakes.

Want more info on the players? Go to USSoccer.com.

» 05.18.03 - Donovan's Goal and Assist Lead Quakes To Win in Battle of MLS' Top Teams: SAN JOSE, CA (May 17, 2003) —The San Jose Earthquakes remained unbeaten in 2003 (4-0-2) following a fast-paced and intense 4-3 win over the Columbus Crew Saturday night at Spartan Stadium. Landon Donovan's goal in the 87th minute proved to be the game winner as the Quakes won the battle of league leaders. San Jose now leads Major League Soccer with 14 points.

The high-scoring affair got off to a quick start when the Earthquakes relentless pressure on the Columbus net finally paid off in the 30th minute when Brian Mullan gave San Jose a 1-0 lead. Manny Lagos intercepted a Columbus pass in the Crew half and headed downfield. He dished the ball off to an open Mullan on the right side of the field, who proceeded to carry the ball into box. Mullan sent a floating shot over Busch and into the right corner of the net.

The Quakes nearly added to their lead several times, with Mullan missing a fine opportunity in the 36th minute. Two minutes later, the Crew tied the game at 1-1 on a penalty kick from Brian McBride, breaking San Jose goalkeeper Pat Onstad's 343-minute scoreless streak.

The Crew earned the penalty kick when forward Jeff Cunningham flicked a ball into the Earthquakes penalty box to the right of the goal. The Crew's Ross Paule then sent the ball into the air in the direction of McBride, who was brought down from behind by San Jose defender Craig Waibel. McBride then sent the ensuing penalty kick to the right of a diving Onstad.

Columbus had a prime opportunity to take the lead in the 40th minute when Duncan Oughton intercepted a Jeff Agoos pass and headed towards the San Jose goal. His shot deflected past Onstad, who had come out to challenge the break, and went in front of the goal where an open Cunningham sent the ball over the cross bar to end the half 1-1.

San Jose stormed back to take the lead to open the second half on a beautiful combination between Donovan and Brian Ching in the 49th minute. Donovan gathered in an Agoos' header in the middle of the field. He then sent a perfect pass through the middle of the Columbus defense, where Ching was able to run onto the ball in the Crew penalty box and power a shot past a diving Busch for his third goal of the year.

The Crew tied the game at 2-2 once again in the 62nd minute on a header by Cunningham. The Crew's Freddy Garcia sent a free kick into the Earthquakes penalty box, where it was deflected to defender Brian Dunseth on the right side of the box. Dunseth then drove a cross in front of the goal where Cunningham headed to the left of a diving Onstad.

The Quakes responded with a sensational goal five minutes later by Agoos. Following a Dunseth foul on Ching, Agoos smashed a curving free kick from about 25 yards out that slipped into the left corner past Busch to give San Jose a 3-2 lead.

Donovan gave the Quakes a cushion when he capped a brilliant attack with a wicked blast past Busch in the 87th minute to give San Jose a 4-2 lead. Troy Dayak stymied a Columbus attack in the Quakes end and knocked the ball to Lagos, who dribbled almost the length of the field before passing off to Donovan on the right of the Crew penalty box. Donovan beat a defender and then froze Busch with a head fake and launched a shot past the goalkeeper.

The Quakes would need the cushion after Columbus made it 4-3 in the 90th minute on a Ross Paule goal. Columbus defender Frankie Hejduk finished a Crew attack with a cross that Paule headed into the net.

San Jose had several opportunities in extra time to add to their lead with Mullan and Ching both nearly missing after being set up by well-placed Donovan passes.

The Earthquakes return to action when they face the Chicago Fire on Saturday, May 31 at Spartan Stadium at 1:00 p.m. PT live on ESPN2. The first 10,000 fans will receive an Earthquakes visor, presented by Pepsi.

Notes:

  • Earthquakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad's scoreless streak ended at 343 minutes when Brian McBride scored on a penalty kick in the 38th minute.
  • The Earthquakes have used the same starting lineup in six straight games in 2003.
  • The Quakes unbeaten start to 2003, (4-0-2) is the best start in club history.
  • Landon Donovan remains tied for the MLS lead with three assists.
  • Jeff Agoos scored for the first time since July 21, 2001, also against Columbus.

    Quotes:

    Frank Yallop, on game: "I said this team is not going to play many 4-3 or 5-3 games, but I guess I am going to have to change that now. We all know about how good Columbus is going forward, but we created a lot of chances ourselves tonight and could have scored even more goals. It was great to see that we were able to create those chances."

    Frank Yallop, on game: "I felt like we had chances to put the game away a lot earlier tonight. It didn't come back and hurt us tonight, but in the future in may hurt us if we don't learn to put these types of games away."

    Landon Donovan, on goal: "Manny [Lagos] picked up the ball and made a great run through and gave me a ball on the wing. It was kind of similar to the goal I scored against Venezuela because when I got the ball in the box, everybody kept backing up. I just moved in, got the shot, and finished it."

    Jeff Agoos, on Quakes performance: "We're not a team that is going to razzle-dazzle with a lot of individual play. But we are always going to play as a team. We work hard in practice for each other and that shows up in the games. This team reminds me a lot of the 2001 team, we all work for each other and we are getting good results so far."

    Brian Mullan, on game: "Columbus has a great offense and we knew that they were going to attack us. I think we were a little surprised to give up three goals on our end, but when you have two teams like that that like to attack, it is going to come down to which team makes the most mistakes and which team will take advantage of that and score more. We were able to do that tonight."

    Todd Dunivant, on game: "The big thing was we didn't want them to get inside on us. We knew they were a dangerous team and we had to work hard to keep them out of their offensive rhythm and stop them from getting inside to [Brian] McBride for a flick or something like that. For the most part, we did well, but they are a tough team and when they were able to get inside on us, they scored. From SJEarthquakes.com.

    » 05.15.03 - U.S. Under-23 MNT Counter-Attacks to 3-1 Win over Mexico in Guadalajara: GUADALAJARA, Mexico (Wednesday, May 14, 2003) - The U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team survived a rowdy home crowd of 9,000 fans, a potent Mexican attack, and 23 minutes of playing a man down to pull out a 3-1 win over likely 2004 Olympic Qualifying foe Mexico at Estadio Tres de Marzo in Guadalajara tonight.

    The U.S. got an early goal from Kelly Gray in the 11th minute, a game winner from Alecko Eskandarian in the 75th, and an incredible 70-yard chip into an open net from David Testo to ice the game in the second minute of stoppage time and throw the home crowd into a hostile frenzy that is usually saved for World Cup qualifiers.

    "On a night when we showed great determination, character and resiliency in finishing with a man down, we also managed a terrific result," said U-23 MNT head coach Glenn Myernick. "What's encouraging is that we can play much better. We absolutely deserved the 2-1 win. The third goal was just icing on the cake."

    The U.S. came out ready to play, quickly matching Mexico's possession across the first 10 minutes. Playing in his first U-23 international since the 2000 Olympics and his second match against Mexico in six days, team captain Landon Donovan helped the U.S. strike first, sending a perfect corner kick from the left side to the triple towers of onrushing U.S. defenders -- 6'4" Oguchi Onyewu, 6'3" Alex Yi and 6'2" Kelly Gray -- at the back post. Gray easily won the battle against a much smaller defender and banged home a header to make it 1-0 and momentarily silence the crowd in the 11th minute.

    Shocked by the early goal in much the same fashion that the full Mexican National Team's was shocked by the early U.S. goal in their Round of 16 World Cup match in Korea last June, Mexico turned it up a notch, hungry for the equalizer. Crafty forward Adolfo "El Bofo" Bautista took over the next 15 minutes of the match, spear-heading the Mexican attack up top with forwards Alfredo Medina and Juan Pablo Garcia flying down the flanks. The U.S. was forced to sit back and absorb the all-out offensive, with Oguchi and Yi continually thwarting Bautista's runs through the heart of the U.S. defense. Yi blocked two shots from Bautista from close range, while Onyewu used his mighty muscle mass to ride El Bofo into the ground on two occasions and force him to shoot wide of the goal.

    Mexico finally broke through in 38th minute following a short corner. Medina crossed the ball in from the left to the near post, where it was headed across the goal and fell at the feet of Garcia at the far post. Garcia pounced and quickly pushed a point-blank shot under U.S. goalkeeper D.J. Countess, who almost saved it from crossing the goal line.

    The second half continued just as the first half ended, with Mexico owning the majority of possesion and attacking in waves. Playing a 4-5-1, the U.S. strategy was designed to shut down the oppostion in the area, but it wasn't generating much offense. Using 6'2" Chicago Fire forward Nate Jaqua as a target man up top, the U.S. was attempting to play long balls out of the back and have Donovan and Alecko Eskandarian run on, but too often the U.S. midfield was bogged down in tracking back to contain their counterparts.

    The USA's chances of getting a go-ahead goal took a big hit when Yi received his second yellow card and was ejected in the 67th minute. At the 70-minute mark, the U.S. was giving up far too many free kick opportunities around the box and it looked as if Mexico would grab a 2-1 lead at any moment. But again, just as the U.S. Men's National Team did in their 2-0 win over Mexico last summer, the U.S. used an efficient series down the flank to set up a perfect strike. Second-half substitute Chris Wingert played a ball down the left wing to Justin Mapp, who had come on for a worn-out DaMarcus Beasley in the 70th minute. Mapp drew two defenders as he dribbled almost to the endline and laid a ball back to an unmarked Eskandarian, who slotted it through traffic from 10 yards out to give the U.S. a 2-1 lead in the 75th minute. The goal was almost identical to the one scored back on June 17, 2002 off a series from Claudio Reyna and Josh Wolff, with Brian McBride providing a clinical finish.

    Frustration set in for the Mexicans from that point on, as they could not break through the U.S. bunkering and the pressure from the crowd only intensified. But with just a minute left in regulation, after the crowd succeeded in convincing the goalkeeper to trot up field for a free kick, Mexico was punished for their act of desperation. Richmond Kickers midfielder David Testo, who had entered in the 90th minute for a battered and bruised Jaqua, quickly jumped on the free kick clearance. Standing about 10 yards from the top of the penalty area, he didn't waste a second in crushing a ball from 70 yards out that took two or three bounces and gently rolled across the middle of the goalline as midfielder Eduardo Rergis scampered back to no avail.

    "I knew the goalie was out. I just looked up and kicked the (crap) out if it," said Testo, of the fluke goal. "I had no idea it would actually go in."

    The U.S. bench erupted with the improbablity of the first-time, 92nd minute strike, and the final whistle blew just seconds later, prompting the crowd to shower the field in disgust.

    The U.S. U-23 MNT will depart early tomorrow morning back to Chicago, then on to their respective pro clubs.

    The U.S. Under-23 MNT will begin qualifying for the 2004 Olympics in November, as they enter the tournament in the second round and will face the winner of a first-round match-up between the tiny nations of St. Kitts & Neves and Dominica, who will meet in a home-and-home series in September and October.

    Meanwhile, Mexico has earned a bye straight to the eight-team final round of qualification as the host nation for the event. The quarterfinals, semifinals and final are set to take place in Mexico from February 2-12, 2004, with the two finalists earning autmatic berths to Athens 2004. In 2000 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Penn., the U.S. posted a 2-1-1 record and finished second behind Honduras for a ticket to Sydney.

    - U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team Game Report -

    Participants: United States Under-23 Men's National Team vs. Mexico
    Competition: International Friendly
    Venue: Estadio Tres de Marzo – Guadalajara, Mexico
    Date: May 14, 2003 – 7 p.m. (local/CT)
    Weather: 80 degrees; warm, hazy
    Attendance: 9,000 (approx.)

    Scoring
    Sum: 1 2 F
    MEX 1 0 1
    USA 1 2 3

    USA – Kelly Gray (Landon Donovan) 11th minute.
    MEX – Juan Pablo Garcia (Alberto Medina) 38.
    USA – Alecko Eskandarian (Justin Mapp) 75.
    USA – David Testo (unassisted) 92+.

    Lineups: MEX (3-4-3): 1-Jose Corona; 4-Ismael Rodriguez (3-Jaime Duran Gomez, 65), 2-Hugo Sánchez, 5-Cosme Castro (19-Christian de la Mora, 81); 22-Eduardo Rergis, 7-Joel González, 6-Diego Ramirez (18-Leonel Olmedo, 46), 8-Jose de la Cruz; 10-Juan Pablo García (17-Ismael Íñiguez, 62), 9-Adolfo Bautista (Capt.), 11-Alberto Medina (20-Juan Alberto Esquivel, 70).
    Subs Not Used: 12-Cirilo Salcedo, 16-Fausto Pinto, 15-Joel Huigui, 14-Miguel Andony Hernandez.
    Head Coach: Ricardo Lavolpe.

    USA (4-5-1): 1-D.J. Countess; 3-Ricky Lewis (20-Chris Wingert, 46), 4-Oguchi Onyewu, 14-Alex Yi (ejected, 67), 6-Kelly Gray (15-Brian Carroll, 55); 22-Ricardo Clark, 7-DaMarcus Beasley (16-Justin Mapp, 70), 12-Logan Pause, 10-Landon Donovan (Capt.; 5-Kyle Beckerman, 62), 11-Alecko Eskandarian; 23-Nate Jaqua (2-David Testo, 90).
    Subs Not Used: 18-Doug Warren, 17-David Stokes.
    Head Coach: Glenn “Mooch” Myernick.

    Statistical
    Summary: MEX / USA
    Shots 15 / 7
    Saves 2 / 1
    Corner Kicks 5 / 3
    Fouls 16 / 17
    Offside 3 / 1

    Misconduct Summary:
    USA – Alex Yi (caution) 14th minute.
    USA – Oguchi Onyewu (caution) 16.
    MEX – Cosmo Castro (caution) 61.
    USA – Alex Yi (caution) 67.
    USA – Alex Yi (ejection) 67.

    Referee: n/a
    Assistant Referee #1: n/a
    Assistant Referee #2: n/a
    Fourth Official: n/a

    Chevrolet Man of the Match: D.J. Countess From USSoccer.com.

    » 05.14.03 - U.S. Under-23 Men Face Mexico Tonight in Guadalajara: (5/14/03)ESTA NOCHE: After just two days of training for each team this week in Mexico, the Under-23 Men's National Teams of the United States and Mexico are set to extend the long-time rivalry in tonight's friendly at Estadio 3 de Marzo in Guadalajara. The 22,000-seat stadium, which is located about 20 minutes from the team hotel in a part of the city called Zapopan, serves as the home stadium for the hapless Tecos (de la Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara), who sit in last place in La Liga Mexicana with a meager seven points on a 1-13-4 record. Tonight's USA-Mexico match, which is to kickoff at 7 p.m. CT and to be televised within Mexico on a station to be determined, marks the first time that the two countries have met at the U-23 level since the U.S. suffered a 4-0 loss at the 1999 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg, Canada with a team that featured current players Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley.

    HERE COMES THE 3-5-2: Staying with the normal formation of the full Mexican National Team, Mexico U-23 MNT head coach Ricardo Lavolpe will likely employ a 3-5-2 for tonight's match, with two dangerous forwards (delanteros, en Espanol) in Adolfo "El Bofo" Bautista and Ismael Iniguez, both of the Mexican club Morelia. You may remember Bautista for the wicked cutbacks, improbable bicycle kick, bald head and white shoes that caught everyone's attention as the Mexico could only muster a 0-0 draw with the U.S. in "La Revancha en la Cancha" in Houston last Thursday at Houston's Reliant Stadium. Midfielder (volante) Juan Pablo Garcia of Atlas, dubbed "El Loco" by some fans, is expected to be a key part of the potent Mexico attack as either a right flank midfielder or a third forward. Defender (defensa) Hugo Sanchez (of Tigres; no relation to the Mexican legend and 1986 World Cup hero) should anchor the familiar three-man back line, while Jose Corona of Atlas will patrol the goalmouth. Below is the probable starting lineup for the Mexican U-23 MNT:

    MEX -- Jose Corona*; Leonel Olmedo (right back), Hugo Sánchez (center back), Ismael Rodríguez (left back); Cosme Castro (right defensive midfielder), Eduardo Rergis* (left defensive midfielder), Joel González (attacking midfielder), Alberto Medina** (left wing midfielder), Juan Pablo García (right wing midfielder); Adolfo Bautista** (forward), Ismael Íñiguez (forward).
    * made the final roster for the USA-Mexico match in Houston on May 8, but did not appear
    **appeared in the USA-Mexico match in Houston on May 8 WHAT USA-MEXICO MEANS TO ME: A number of players in the current U-23 camp have mixed it up with Mexico at some point in their National Team career, youth or otherwise. So we asked them what the rivalry between the two soccer powers, both ranked in the Top 10 in the most recent FIFA World Rankings, means to them:

    "I'm sure that USA-Mexico now at every age level will become an extension of what has happened at the senior level (with the U.S. posting a 5-1-1 record in the last seven meetings). Our rivalry with Mexico is a natural one, and as we continue to narrow the gap in this long-time rivalry, it will only intensify." --U.S. U-23 MNT head coach Glenn Myernick, who faced Mexico twice in August 1975 as a member of the Olympic Qualifying team as the U.S. lost 8-0 in Toluca, Mexico and 4-2 in Wilmington, Del.

    "It's pretty simple, really. We know they just don't like us, and the feeling is mutual. No matter what the level or what the situation, it's always an all-out battle. There's never an easy game out there with them." --Forward Landon Donovan, who has scored two goals in four career matches against Mexico as a member of the full U.S. MNT. [Donovan scored his first international goal in his first cap back in a 2-0 win over Mexico on October 25, 2000, then supplied the clinching goal in the 2-0 win over Mexico in the Round of 16 at the 2002 World Cup last summer on June 17]

    "If you can't get up for games against Mexico, you just shouldn't be playin' at this level. Every time we play them it's a battle." --Midfielder DaMarcus Beasley, who has faced Mexico twice as a member of the full MNT (a 1-0 win on April 1, 2002 in Denver, Colo., and last week's 0-0 tie in Houston) and once as a U-23 (a 0-4 loss in the semifinals of the 1999 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg, Canada)

    "It's definitely a big game for us, no matter what level we play on. For the two games I've played against them with the U-20s, they've been pretty heated matches and they're fans have been pretty crazy. I expect the same thing tonight." --Midfielder Ricardo Clark, who played on the U.S. Under-20 MNT that lost to Mexico 3-1 in January 23 of this year in Homestead, Fla., and tied Mexico 0-0 last year on August 3 as part of the 2002 U.S. Amateur Soccer Festival in Houston

    IS IT IN YOU?: Apparently, it (Gatorade) is the only thing that is good enough for DaMarcus Beasley when he needs to quench his thirst after an intense, 90-minute practice. Following Monday morning's session, which featured more than its fair share of water breaks due to the sticky 90-degree heat, the Chicago Fire midfielder was kindly offered a water bottle by a teammate. His response? "Hell, no, man. You know I don't drink that stuff! Where the Gatorade at?" Of course, the "stuff" he was referring to was nature's greatest resource, which just so happens to be necessary for human survival. Maybe he doesn't like the taste.

    GATORADE PLUG, PART DOS: U.S. defender Chris Wingert got caught in the crossfire of a poorly executed Gatorade shower that was intended for birthday boy Oguchi Onyewu, who celebrated his 21st birthday today. Despite being the tallest (6'4") and heaviest player (212) on the team, he was somehow able to elude the impromptu celebraton. Onyewu later received a rousing pots-and-pans birthday clatter from the kitchen staff at dinner, followed by the wheeling out of a personalized chocolate cake and an off-key song from teammates and staff.

    U-23s IN THE PROS: The current U.S. Under-23 MNT player pool features players with a wide range of experience -- from four games to four seasons -- and Success -- from still looking for their MLS debut to winning an MLS Cup -- in the professional ranks. Below is a breakdown of both those elements in these players' young careers, separated by number of years as a pro. [Editor's note: Yearly stats include both regular season and playoffs. Also, each player's totals only include stats from years in MLS. (A)=A-League, (G) = Germany]

    THE SENIORS:
    DaMarcus Beasley, Midfielder, Chicago Fire (MLS)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2000 Chicago (25/17) 1,641-2/5
    2001 Chicago (27/27) 2,448-3/7
    2002 Chicago (22/22) 1,989-3/4
    2003 Chicago (4/3) 390-1/0
    Totals (78/70) 6,468-9/16

    Kyle Beckerman -- Midfielder -- Colorado Rapids (MLS)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2000 Miami (2/1) 110-1/0
    2001 Miami (1/0) 14-0/0
    2002 Colorado (14/5) 477-0/1
    2003 Colorado (3/1) 133-0/0
    Totals (20/7) 734-1/1

    Edson Buddle -- Forward -- Columbus Crew (MLS)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2000 Long Island (A) (26) n/a-11/4
    2001 Columbus (19/5) 587-3/2)
    2002 Columbus (24/16) 1,548-10/7
    2003 Columbus (3/3) 196-1/0
    Totals (46/24) 2,321-14/9

    Bobby Convey -- Midfielder -- D.C. United (MLS)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2000 D.C. (22/18) 1,614-0/2
    2001 D.C. (12/11) 992-1/7
    2002 D.C. (26/25) 2,248-5/3
    2003 D.C. (5/5) 482-0/0
    Totals (65/59) 5,336-6/12

    Landon Donovan -- Forward -- San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    '99-2000 Bayer Leverkusen (G) - Did not play
    2001 San Jose (28/23) 2,201-12/12
    2002 San Jose (22/20) 1,861-8/4
    2003 San Jose (5/5) 415-1/2
    Totals (55/48) 4,477-21/18

    THE JUNIORS:
    Santino Quaranta -- Forward -- D.C. United (MLS)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2001 D.C. (16/10) 949-5/1
    2002 D.C. (11/11) 949-3/4
    2003 D.C. (5/5) 407-1/1
    Totals (32/26) 2,305-9/6

    Eddie Johnson -- Forward -- Dallas Burn (MLS)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2001 Dallas (13/1) 325-2/0
    2002 Dallas (11/2) 326-2/1
    2003 Dallas (4/3) 240-0/0
    Totals (28/6) 891-4/1

    THE SOPHOMORES:
    Jose Burciaga, Jr. -- Defender -- Kansas City Wizards (MLS)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2002 Kansas City (3/2) 93-0/0
    2003 Kansas City (4/4) 347-0/0
    Totals (7/6) 440-0/0

    D.J. Countess -- Goalkeeper -- Dallas Burn (MLS)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-Shots-Saves-GAA
    2002 Dallas (1/1) 100-7-6-0.90
    2003 Dallas (3/3) 270-16-12-1.29
    Totals (4/4) 370-23-18-1.13

    Brad Davis -- Midfielder -- Dallas Burn (MLS)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2002 MetroStars (24/12) 1,246-4/3
    2003 Dallas (4/1) 183-0/1
    Totals (24/12) 1,429-4/4

    Kelly Gray -- Defender/Midfielder -- Chicago Fire (MLS)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2002 Chicago (25/20) 1,780-2/5
    2003 Chicago (3/1) 113-0/0
    Totals (28/21) 1,893-2/5

    Justin Mapp -- Midfielder -- Chicago Fire (MLS)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2002 D.C. (3/0) 28-0/0
    2003 Chicago (2/0) 41-0/0
    Totals (5/0) 69-0/0

    Kyle Martino -- Midfielder -- Columbus Crew (MLS)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2002 Columbus (22/15) 1,455-2/5
    2003 Columbus (6/6) 552-1/0
    Totals (28/21) 2,007-3/5

    THE FROSH (in order of draft pick from 2003 MLS SuperDraft):
    Alecko Eskandarian -- Forward -- D.C. United (MLS) -- 1st Overall Pick
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2003 D.C. (3/1) 97-0/0

    Ricardo Clark -- Midfielder -- MetroStars (MLS) -- 2nd Overall Pick
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2003 MetroStars (5/5) 460-0/0

    Nate Jaqua -- Forward -- Chicago Fire (MLS) -- 3rd Overall Pick
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2003 Chicago (2/0) 40-0/0

    Mike Magee -- Midfielder -- MetroStars (MLS) -- 4th Overall Pick
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2003 MetroStars (5/3) 290-1/0

    David Stokes -- Defender -- D.C. United (MLS) -- 5th Overall Pick [Has not appeared in 2003]

    Brian Carroll -- Midfielder -- D.C. United (MLS) -- 10th Overall Pick [Has not appeared in 2003]

    Ricky Lewis -- Defender -- Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) -- 20th Overall Pick
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2003 Los Angeles (1/0) 17-0/0

    Logan Pause -- Midfielder -- Chicago Fire (MLS) -- 24th Overall Pick
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2003 Chicago (3/3) 275-0/0

    David Testo -- Midfielder -- Richmond Kickers (A-League) -- Undrafted
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2003 Richmond (4/3) 284-1/0

    THE FOREIGNERS:
    Oguchi Onyewu -- Defender -- FC Metz (France)
    Year Team (GP) Minutes-G/A
    2002-03 Metz (6) 322-0/0

    Alex Yi -- Defender -- Royal Antwerp FC (Belgium)
    Year Team (GP/GS) Minutes-G/A
    2002-03 Antwerp (3/3) 199-0/0

    HAY CARAMBA!: In yesterday's notes, a reference was made to the USA's 2-1 win over Mexico in the bronze medal match of the 1999 Pan American Games, when in fact Canada was the opponent that the U.S. defeated to match their best ever finish at the quadrennial event. From USSoccer.com.

    » 05.13.03 - U.S. U-23 Men's National Team Notes from Mexico: HOLA, GUADALAJARA!: The U.S. Under-23 MNT players and staff gathered in Chicago's O'Hare International Airport late Sunday morning before departing for a direct flight at 2:35 p.m. to Guadalajara via Mexicana Airlines. Located about 2.5 hours northwest of Mexico City and four hours up the Pacific Coast from the beaches of Acapulco, Guadalajara is the second largest city in all of Mexico, boasting approximately four million residents. After settling in Sunday night at the elegant Hotel Presidente Intercontinental, the U.S. team went through a lengthy practice Monday morning at the Los Olivos training facility, an impressive 6-field oasis smack in the middle of an "unsavory" neighborhood (case in point--the team bus was momentarily stopped when a woman walking across the street decided to stop in the middle of the road and do a handstand and hold it for about four seconds as her son looked on with glee). Los Olivos is the official practice site of Mexican pro clubs Toluca and Cuhatlan, as well as the Mexican National Teams when they are in the city. On Tuesday, the team will have a one-hour training session at Tres de Marzo at 7 p.m. after a light jog in the morning. After originally being scheduled for the city of Leon at 8 p.m., Wednesday's match will be played at 7 p.m. (CT) in Guadalajara at Estadio Tres de Marzo, which has a capacity of 22,000. The game is expected to be televised locally, but will be competing with the Liga Mexicana All-Star Game, which will feature Mexican players vs. the Rest of the World (a la past MLS All-Star Games) and be broadcast live from Monterrey.

    MARTINO, E. JOHNSON INJURED IN MLS ACTION, REPLACED BY TESTO, MAPP: After the original 18-man roster was announced on Friday, two changes had to be made as two key players went down with injuries during Saturday night's MLS action. Columbus Crew playmaker Kyle Martino suffered a groin pull, while Dallas Burn forward Eddie Johnson pulled a hamstring. Replacing them on the trip roster are Chicago Fire midfielders Justin Mapp, whose participating in just his second U-23 camp, and midfielder David Testo of the A-League's Richmond Kickers. With these changes, 14 of the 18 players on the final roster compete in Major League Soccer, with only defenders Oguchi Onyewu (FC Metz -- France), Alex Yi (Royal Antwerp -- Belgium), and Chris Wingert (St. John's University) and Testo not playing in the Div. I domestic league. Below is the final 18-man U.S. roster, listed by position with pro club or college in parantheses:

    Goalkeepers (2): D.J. Countess (Dallas Burn), Doug Warren (D.C. United);
    Defenders (6): Kelly Gray (Chicago Fire), Ricky Lewis (L.A. Galaxy), Oguchi Onyewu (FC Metz -- France), David Stokes (D.C. United), Chris Wingert (St. John’s University), Alexander Yi (Royal Antwerp FC -- Belgium);
    Midfielders (7): DaMarcus Beasley (Chicago Fire), Kyle Beckerman (Colorado Rapids), Brian Carroll (D.C. United), Ricardo Clark (MetroStars), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Logan Pause (Chicago Fire), David Testo (Richmond Kickers);
    Forwards (3): Landon Donovan (San Jose Earthquakes), Alecko Eskandarian (D.C. United), Nate Jaqua (Chicago Fire).

    PLAYIN' WITH THE BIG BOYS: A total of six players on the roster for Wednesday's U-23 battle -- two from the U.S. and four from Mexico -- made their respective team's final 18-man roster for the highly-anticipated "Revancha en la Cancha" last Thursday between the full Men's National Teams of the USA and Mexico in Houston. Both Landon Donovan (San Jose Earthquakes) and DaMarcus Beasley (Chicago Fire) started and played a full 90 minutes as the U.S. recovered from a sluggish first half to even out play in the second and battle to a 0-0 draw in front of 69,582 fans at immense Reliant Stadium. Donovan and Beasley both figured in good scoring chances, with the Chicago Fire midfielder edging his long-time U.S. teammate for Chevrolet Man of the Match honors. On the opposing side, crafty forward Adolfo Bautista started and played 82 minutes, making an impact on several dangerous scoring chances, turning defenders with sharp cutback moves and firing a bicycle kick from about 10 yards out that was saved by U.S. MNT goalkeeper Tim Howard. Midfielder Alberto Medina entered the match in the 59th minute to replace Omar Bravo, while goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona and midfielder Eduardo Rergis were left on the bench after Lavolpe made all five of his available substitutions by the 82nd minute.

    MEXICO U-23 MNT ROSTER: Below is Mexico's final 20-man roster, listed by position with pro club or college in parantheses: Goalkeepers (2): José de Jesús Corona (Atlas)*, Cirilo Saucedo (León);
    Defenders (4): Leonel Olmedo (San Luis), Jaime Duran Gómez (Atlas), Hugo Sánchez (Tigres), Fasto Pinto (Pachuca);
    Midfielders (10): Cosme Castro (Puebla), Jose Joel González (Atlante), Joel Adrián Huiqui Andrade (Cruz Azul), Diego Ramírez (Atlante), Juan Jose de la Cruz (Atlas), Juan Pablo García (Atlas), Alberto Medina (Guadalajara)*, Christian de la Mora (Cihuatlan), Miguel Andoni Hernández (Tecos), Eduardo Rergis (Atlante)*;
    Forwards (4): Adolfo Bautista (Morelia)*, Ismael Iñiguez (Monarcas), Ismael Rodríguez (Monterrey), Juan Alberto Esquivel (Atlas).
    *made the final roster for the full Mexico MNT for May 8 match versus USA in Houston

    PRESSURE ON LAVOLPE EXTENDS TO "SUB-23" SIDE AS PAN-AM GAMES NEAR: The recent results of the full Mexico MNT under new head coach Manuel Lavolpe, a 1-1-3 record and only two goals scored in 2003, have created additional pressure for the fiery Argentine that has trickled down to the Under-23 MNT, which he also coaches. Having only mustered a draw against the USA's "A" side, he will surely be expected to produce a win, or at least goals, in the match-up with the U.S. Under-23 squad. Wednesday's match is part of Mexico's ongoing preparation for the 2003 Pan American Games, which will are scheduled for August 1-17 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Mexico will be trying to defend the gold medal that they won in 1999, having beaten the U.S. 4-0 on August 4 in the semifinals and then grabbing the gold two days later on August 6. [Editor's Note: After claiming the bronze medal in 1999 with a 2-1 win over Mexico, the U.S. has elected not to compete in the 2003 version due to scheduling conflicts with the MLS season.] The Mexico U-23s have gathered for four brief training camps in 2003 prior to this week, but have played in just one international, a 1-0 loss to Colombia on April 16.

    Date: Event (Result)
    Feb. 17-19: Training Camp
    March 3-5: Training Camp-
    March 31-Apr. 2: Training Camp
    Apr. 14-17: Training Camp
    Apr. 16: vs. Colombia (0-1 L)
    May 14: vs. USA

    U.S. U-23s GATHER FOR JUST SECOND TIME IN 2003: The U.S. U-23s have gathered just once prior in 2003, posting a 1-1-3 record on a two-week trip to Portugal in January. The U.S. was 1-1-1 in a three-game series against reserve teams from the Portuguese First Division before posting a pair of hard-fought 1-1 draws with Portugal and Russia as part of the Vale de Tejo International Tournament. After beating Russia 4-1 in penalties, the U.S. fell 4-1 in the PK shootout to the host nation to finish second in the four-team tournament. After taking 2001 off following the 2000 Olympics, the new class of U-23s gathered in January 2002 and went on to post a 6-2-2 overall record, including a 1-2-2 mark in internationals. Forward Alecko Eskandarian, who won the 2002 M.A.C. Hermann Award as the nation's top Div. I player, led the team in scoring with seven goals and two assists for 16 points.

    2003 Results
    Date: Final Score (U.S. Goal Scorers)
    Jan. 14: Sporting Lisbon 3, U.S. 1 (Rota)
    Jan. 15: Benfica 0, U.S. 0
    Jan. 16: U.S. 2, Santarem Select 0 (Testo, Gray)
    Jan. 21: Russia 1, U.S. 1 - U.S. 4-1 PKs (Jaqua)
    Jan. 23: Portugal 1, U.S. 1 - Portugal 4-1 PKs (Jaqua)

    CONCACAF OLYMPIC QUALIFYING APPROACHES IN NOVEMBER: The U.S. Under-23 MNT will begin qualifying for the 2004 Olympics in November, as they enter the tournament in the second round and will face the winner of a first-round match-up between the tiny nations of St. Kitts & Neves and Dominica, who will meet in a home-and-home series in September and October. Meanwhile, Mexico has earned a bye straight to the eight-team final round of qualification as the host nation for the event. The quarterfinals, semifinals and final are set to take place in Mexico from February 2-12, 2004, with the two finalists earning autmatic berths to Athens 2004. In 2000 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pa., the U.S. posted a 2-1-1 record and finished second behind Honduras for a ticket to Sydney.

    DONOVAN BACK IN U-23 FOLD FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2000: Wednesday’s match versus Mexico will mark the first time that 21-year-old forward Landon Donovan has appeared with the U.S. Under-23 squad since the Fall of 2000 in Sydney, Australia. Donovan was a key member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team that exceeded expectations and advanced all the way to the medal round of the 16-team, Under-23 level tournament. After watching from the bench as the U.S. fought to draw the Czech Republic 2-2 and Cameroon 1-1 in the team's first two matches in Canberra, Donovan made the most of his Olympic debut, coming off the bench in the and scored the clinching goal in the 88th minute of a 3-1 win over Kuwait in Melbourne. The insurance goal helped the U.S. not only advance to the second round for the first time in history, but win Group C with a 1-0-2 record. Donovan went on to come off the bench in the USA's final three matches -- a 2-2 T (5-4 PKs) with Japan in Adelaide, then losses to Spain (3-1) and Chile (2-0) in Syndey -- as the team finished a best ever fourth place.

    FELIZ CUMPLEANOS: Three U.S. U-23 players will celebrate their birthdays this month, with two coming in a span of four days. MetroStars midfielder Ricardo Clark just turned 20 on Saturday, while Onyewu becomes legal today with his 21st birthday. As of now, there's no word on whether the U.S. Soccer staff will employ a mariachi band or have the kitchen staff make some special flan for the occasion. DaMarcus Beasley will hit the same milestone later in the month on May 24.

    UN POQUITO: Not surprisingly, Landon Donovan has been the interviewee of choice with the Mexican media so far, but it's not just because he put himself on the international soccer map last summer with two goals in the 2002 World Cup and played in the full MNT match in Houston just five days ago. In reality, it's because he's the only player that can speak more than "un poquito" (translation: a very little bit) of Espanol. The fluent Spanish speaker has already been sought out by both Televisa and TV Azteca, the two major national networks in Mexico, in the first day alone. As for the rest of the team, they're just proud of themselves to be able to spit out words or phrases like "gracias," "bueno"/"no bueno," and "esta bien" that they remember from high school Spanish class.

    COMING TOMORROW: To get you reaquainted with the U.S. Under-23 MNT, we'll provide a breakdown of how they've all fared in the pro ranks so far in their young careers, whether it be in MLS or overseas. Also, we'll feature quotes from various players on what the USA-Mexico rivalry means to them, no matter what the age level in which the border battle occurs. From USSoccer.com.

    » 05.13.03 - Hejduk, Donovan hope Leverkusen stay up: (May 12, 2003) -- U.S. National Team players Landon Donovan and Frankie Hejduk have been watching Bayer Levekusen's relegation battle with interest as they hope their former club stays in the German First Division.

    Leverkusen is one of Germany's best supported clubs, but injuries have racked their club and they are in serious danger of dropping into the second division for next season for the first time since 1979. It's been a shocking fall from grace for the team who played in the UEFA Champions League final last season. They have only finished outside the top ten once in the past 14 years as well. With two games left in their season, they are in 16th place and trail 15th place Arminia Bielefeld by two points. The three bottom teams in the German First Division are relegated to the Second Division at the end of the season.

    Donovan was signed by Leverkusen to a professional contract as a 17-year-old in 1999, and he played with their reserve team for parts of two seasons in 2000 and 2001. Leverkusen still own his playing rights, but through a complex loan agreement with Major League Soccer, Donovan will play for the San Jose Earthquakes through 2004.

    "I have been watching Leverkusen's relegation battle. It's a tough time for the club, but hopefully they can pull through and keep themselves from being relegated. I think they can," said Donovan recently.

    Hejduk signed with Leverkusen after the 1998 World Cup and played four seasons for the club including numerous appearances in the Champions League. After spending half a season with Swiss club St. Gallen, he returned to play for the Columbus Crew in MLS this year.

    "I have checked it out. I am hoping they stay up," commented Hejduk. "I would never want for them to go down. They are an old club of mine so I would not want to see that happen."

    Leverkusen have straddled the relegation zone all season after injuries to key players like Lucio, Jens Nowotny, Ulf Kirsten kept them out most of the season.

    "They are too good of a team to go down to the second division. It’s just an unfortunate situation for them since they have had a lot of injuries. That’s the main reason why where they are. Now a lot of their players are coming back so I think they will stay up," said Hejduk.

    Leverkusen have been the most active foreign club in signing American players in recent years. In addition to Donovan and Hejduk, U.S. youth internationals John Torrington and Joey DiGiamarino both had spells at the club.

    © RMG3 2003 From USSoccerPlayers.com.

    » 05.11.03 - EARTHQUAKES EARN 0-0 DRAW AGAINST FIRE ON THE ROAD: NAPERVILLE, IL (May 10, 2003) —The San Jose Earthquakes earned their third consecutive shutout on Saturday night in a 0-0 tie with the Chicago Fire at Cardinal Stadium. With the tie, the Earthquakes have now gone unbeaten on the road in their first three games of the 2003 season. Pat Onstad was outstanding for the Earthquakes in goal, as he made six saves, including three tough stops late in the second half. San Jose now leads the Western Conference by three points and is tied for the overall lead in Major League Soccer with 11 points.

    The opening 20 minutes of the match were dominated by midfield play, as each team worked its way into the match. The Quakes limited Chicago's offense and kept their attacking players away from the penalty area, while the Quakes best opportunity came in the 12th minute on a shot by Brian Mullan off a Manny Lagos cross.

    In the 21st minute, Troy Dayak came through with a goal-saving defensive play. DaMarcus Beasley got loose to the right of Onstad and fired a low shot to the near post. Dayak, who had tracked Beasley nicely, got his foot on the ball to deflect it out for a corner kick.

    Five minutes later the Quakes got a break when Beasley blasted a left-footed shot from long range off the far post. Beasley took a pass 40 yards from goal and moved toward the net, before cutting to his left and firing. Onstad dove to his right, but the shot hit the outside of the post and deflected out of bounds.

    The Quakes went on the attack themselves in the 30th minute after some hard work by rookie Todd Dunivant. Dunivant won a loose ball in the corner and centered for Brian Ching. After a deflection, Ching rolled a pass back to Lagos, who volleyed to the near post. His shot was blocked and it came down to Ching and he volleyed high.

    Jeff Agoos and Dayak nearly connected for a goal on a set piece in the 38th minute. After a foul on Ching, Agoos curled a free kick to the far post for Dayak, who headed down past Fire goalkeeper Zach Thornton and past the far post.

    In the opening moments of the second half, Ching was again in the middle of the attack. Richard Mulrooney sent a free kick to the six-yard box and Ching headed just wide of Thornton's net.

    17 minutes after the Ching near miss, Onstad came up with a big save on a blast by Ante Razov. Razov got free 30 yards from goal and shot high to the near post, but Onstad came across his net and punched the ball clear.

    Moments later it was Thornton's turn to make a game-saving stop. Landon Donovan got away from his defender at the right edge of the penalty box and crossed for Ching. The ball skipped past Ching and found Lagos at the back post. Lagos shot to the far post behind Thornton, but Thornton got a hand on the shot and the ball was cleared away by the defense.

    Onstad made three big stops in the last 20 minutes of regulation to keep his shutout intact. He dove to his right to tip an Andy Williams' drive just past the far post in the 73rd minute. Then in the 80th minute, he went low to deny a chance by Chicago midfielder Evan Whitfield, followed by a save on a Rodrigo Faria shot with five minutes remaining.

    The Earthquakes return to Spartan Stadium next Saturday, May 17 to face the Columbus Crew at 7:00 p.m. PT in a battle of the two top teams in MLS.

    Notes:

    With two wins and a tie in its first three road matches, San Jose is off to its best start on the road in team history at 2-0-1.

    The Quakes are now unbeaten in their last three matches with the Fire, earning two ties and one win.

    Pat Onstad earned his third consecutive shutout on Saturday night and currently has a shutout streak of 306 minutes.

    The Earthquakes have tied the Fire three straight times on the road.

    Quotes:

    Frank Yallop, on game: "The guys did really well to come out with another clean sheet. I think that it was a fair result. Both teams had chances to win. It is a good sign that we can come on the road and create a number of chances and limit the opponent's chances pretty well."

    Yallop, on defense and Onstad: "Pat was outstanding in goal. He made some brilliant saves and the guys in front of him defended very well as a team. It was a difficult place to play with the rain and the wind on that surface."

    Pat Onstad, on game: "It feels nice to get the opportunity to contribute. I am pleased that we got another shutout. Again, the guys in front of me defended very well. It was a hard game and we earned a valuable point on the road."

    Onstad, looking ahead to Columbus: "I think that it will be a great game. It is still early, but anytime you can get into the league lead with a win and have everyone else chasing you, you need to take advantage of it. That is what we are playing for against Columbus. They are a good team, but we feel confident at home and we will go out looking for the win."

    Richard Mulrooney, on road success: "We learned last season that you have to get results on the road or it will hurt you as the season goes on. This game is a good example of the team doing that. We got a result under difficult conditions." From SJEarthquakes.com.

    » 05.11.03 - Myernick Names 18-Man U.S. Under-23 MNT Roster for May 14 Mexico Friendly: CHICAGO (Friday, May 9, 2003) — U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team head coach Glenn “Mooch” Myernick today announced an 18-man squad to face Mexico on Wednesday, May 14 in Guadalajara at a time and venue to be determined. The team will depart for Guadalajara on Sunday afternoon.

    The strong roster includes U.S. Men’s National Team and 2002 World Cup stars Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley, who both played a full 90 minutes in a spirited 0-0 draw with Mexico yesterday in front of almost 70,000 fans at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Next week’s match versus the U-23 MNT of Mexico will mark the first time that the two players have appeared with the U.S. Under-23 squad since 2000. Donovan was a key member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team that exceeded expectations and advanced all the way to the medal round and a record fourth-place finish in Sydney. The 21-year-old San Jose Earthquakes forward, who was just 18 at the time, scored the clinching goal in the 88th minute of a 3-1 win over Kuwait that helped the U.S. not only advance to the second round for the first time in history, but win Group C with a 1-0-2 record.

    Earlier that year, Beasley was a part of the U.S. team that posted a 2-1-1 record and finished second at the 2000 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Hershey, Penn., earning of two CONCACAF berths for the Olympics.

    Both players made their debut with the U-23 MNT in the summer of 1999, helping the USA to a bronze medal at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, and will undoubtedly be counted on to lead the U.S. team at Athens 2004.

    The roster also features young MLS stars like 2002 MLS Rookie of the Year Kyle Martino (Columbus Crew), U-23 team captain Kelly Gray (Chicago Fire) and goalkeeper D.J. Countess (Dallas Burn), a teammate of Donovan and Beasley on the U.S. Under-17 MNT that finished fourth at the FIFA World Youth (U-17) Championship in New Zealand in 1999. Three other players on that U-17 team – defenders Oguchi Onyewu (FC Metz -- France) and Alexander Yi (Antwerp FC – Belgium), and midfielder Kyle Beckerman (Colorado Rapids) – were also named to the roster.

    Also included on the roster are the top two picks in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft, #1 selection and 2002 MAC Hermann Trophy award winner Alecko Eskadarian (D.C. United) and midfielder Ricardo Clark (MetroStars), who are expected to be two of the top rookies in MLS this year. Eskandarian led the U-23s in scoring in 2002, notching seven goals and two assists as the team posted a 6-2-2 overall record. Clark also had a big 2002, helping the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team qualify last November for this year’s FIFA World Youth Championship.

    The U-23s have gathered just once prior in 2003, posting a 1-1-3 record on a two-week trip to Portugal in January. The U.S. was 1-1-1 in a three-game series against reserve teams from the Portuguese First Division before posting a pair of hard-fought 1-1 draws with Portugal and Russia as part of the Vale de Tejo International Tournament. After beating Russia 4-3 in penalties, the U.S. fell 3-1 in the PK shootout to the host nation to finish second in the four-team tournament.

    The U.S. Under-23 MNT will begin qualifying for the 2004 Olympics in November, as they enter the tournament in the second round and will face the winner of a first-round match-up between the tiny nations of St. Kitts & Neves and Dominica, who will meet in a home-and-home series in September and October.

    U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team
    International Friendly vs. Mexico
    (Guadalajara, Mexico)
    May 14, 2003

    Beasley, DaMarcus: F, 5'7", 127, 05/24/82, Ft. Wayne, Ind. , Chicago Fire (MLS)
    Beckerman, Kyle: M, 5'11", 155, 04/23/82, Crofton, Md. , Colorado Rapids (MLS)
    Carroll, Brian: M, 5'10", 150, 07/20/81, Springfield, Va. , D.C. United (MLS)
    Clark, Ricardo: M, 5'10", 150, 05/10/83, Jonesboro, Ga. , MetroStars (MLS)
    Countess, D.J.: GK, 6'2", 195, 01/09/82, Sacramento, Calif. , Dallas Burn (MLS)
    Donovan, Landon: M/F, 5'8", 155, 03/04/82, Redlands, Calif. , San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
    Eskandarian, Alecko: F, 5'9", 160, 07/09/82, Montvale, N.J. , D.C. United (MLS)
    Gray, Kelly: D, 6'2", 170, 04/07/81, San Jose, Calif. , Chicago Fire (MLS)
    Jaqua, Nate: F, 6'3", 180, 10/28/81, Eugene, Ore. , Chicago Fire (MLS)
    Johnson, Eddie: F, 6'0", 170, 03/31/84, Palm Coast, Fla. , Dallas Burn (MLS)
    Lewis, Ricky: D, 6'0", 170, 05/29/82, Spring, Texas , L.A. Galaxy (MLS)
    Martino, Kyle: M, 5'10", 150, 02/19/81, Westport, Conn. , Columbus Crew (MLS)
    Onyewu, Oguchi: D, 6'3", 210, 05/13/82, Olney, Md. , FC Metz (France)
    Pause, Logan: M, 5'10", 160, 08/22/81, Hillsborough, N.C. , Chicago Fire (MLS)
    Stokes, David: D, 6’3”, 185, 05/28/82, Dumfries, Va. , D.C. United (MLS)
    Warren, Doug: GK, 6'0", 185, 03/18/81, Hoffman Estates, Ill. , D.C. United (MLS)
    Wingert, Chris: D, 5'10", 160, 06/16/82, Babylon, N.Y. , St. John’s University (NCAA)
    Yi, Alexander: D, 6’3”, 185, 02/27/82, Easton, Md. , Royal Antwerp FC (Belgium)

    - U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team Staff -
    Head Coach: Glenn Myernick
    Assistant Coach: Thomas Rongen
    Goalkeeper Coach: Bill Irwin
    Team Coordinator: Aaron Barrett
    Trainer: Scott Piehl
    Doctor: Dr. Wayne Gersoff
    Equipment Manager: Matt Stelzer
    Security Liaison: Gene Williams
    Press Officer: Bryan Chenault From USSoccer.com.

    » 05.10.03 - Post-Match Quote Sheet: U.S. Men vs. Mexico: U.S. Manager BRUCE ARENA: “I thought that the Mexican team played very well tonight. The first half, we were very poor. The second half we made some adjustments and I think that we played better. Our teams match fitness is not where it needs to be for international play. That is a result of the fact that they are in the first month of their club seasons. In order for our players to compete at the international level, we must be fitter and softer on the ball as we witnessed today. However, I believe the second half performance was much better by us. I cannot speak for the Mexican team, but our team is in a building process and I use games like this to evaluate players. For our team a number of players got a good experience.”

    On playing in Houston: “I think that it was a good week for us. The Houston community and elsewhere did a good job of supporting the game. Who can complain about 69,000 people that are friendly. We were very pleased being here this week and I think it was a great opportunity for our team and hopefully we’ll be here again.”

    On the recent results against Mexico: “I don’t worry about the results over Mexico. World Cup qualifying, World Cup and Gold Cup are the important results. These games are not as important.”

    On the performance of the young players: “Convey did a good job. Tim Howard, our young goalkeeper, I thought did a good job. Dan Califf had a good game. Beasley and Donovan continue to demonstrate that they can play at this level and another game that Bocanegra did well.”

    On the physical play in the game: “It was not anymore physical than we are used to."

    On the play of Clint Mathis: “Clint is coming back from surgery. We originally planned to give him 60 minutes. We know that his fitness isn’t where it needs to be for these games. In two more months, Clint will be where he needs to be.”

    On which players wil be selected for the Gold Cup: “We will, over the next two months, introduce our European players into this group as well as some other players. We didn’t bring in some players tonight. We’ll be looking at some other domestic players as well.”

    On the difference between the Mexican team in the World Cup and tonight: “The Mexican team in the World Cup was an excellent team. I believe they were one of the top four teams in the World Cup in the first round. They could have easily won the first three games in group play. Therefore I don’t think that it is fair to compare that team in the World Cup to the team now, and our team in the World Cup to the one now.”

    On the team playing better in the second half: “We made some adjustments. I think that we sat back a little too much in the first half. We didn’t push the right numbers forward when the Mexicans had the ball. We were to loose in the mid-field, we made a couple of adjustments and pushed the players quickly onto the Mexican players to close down their time and space.”

    On being undefeated in six of the last seven matches against Mexico: “These things go in cycles. Every time that Mexico and U.S. play it is going to be a low scoring game. It just happens to be that we defend well enough to keep them from scoring goals.”

    On whether he was satisfied with the U.S. performance: “I’m not satisfied with the first half, but I’m pleased with the improvement in the second. Whether it is the defense performance or not it does matter. The result is what we look at."

    U.S. Defender EDDIE POPE

    “…I think that any given team can win on any given day it just depends on how you show up to play. This is certainly a game that both teams are able to get up for. It’s a huge rival. We take it like that every single time. As big and Pro-Mexican as the crowd was, I think that there were some loyalties going both ways.”

    On playing in a home field, but the crowd is for other team: “I think that is always difficult to play in a so called home vinyard, but the crowd is for the other team. In some cities that we play in we can get a pro-American crowd, but most of the time it is an anti-American crowd. I’m used to it by now. I’ve done it since ’96.”

    On the turnaround of American soccer: “I think there were some Mexican-American fans that were rooting for us. I saw people flipping the sign both ways so I think that is good that we can steal some fans.”

    U.S. Forward LANDON DONOVAN

    On his impressions of Houston as a venue for soccer: “Absolutely fantastic. The city has been great. I got to see the mayor a couple of days ago. The people really took us in and welcomed us. It’s special to play in front of that (crowd).”

    On the playing conditions: “It looked bad, but it didn’t play very bad. It played O.K. and I don’t think that it was an issue at all.”

    On more professional soccer coming to Houston: “I’d come here and play, except in the summer (laughs).”

    Mexico Midfielder HECTOR ALTAMIRANO: “I think the United States is a great team. They work very well. They don’t lose control easily and they had great advances to goal through counterattacks. They know how to set up and know how to receive the attack, they never risk more than needed. We need to continue working since that’s the only way we can achieve what Mr. La Volpe wants.” From USSoccer.com.

    » 05.10.03 - U.S. and Mexico Battle to 0-0 Draw in Front of Almost 70,000: HOUSTON, Texas (Thursday, May 8, 2003) – The U.S. Men’s National Team and Mexico battled to an intense 0-0 draw in front of a passionate Texas crowd of 69,582 fans at Reliant Stadium in Houston. The match was the first between the two nations since their historic 2002 World Cup encounter, won by the U.S. 2-0 last June. The crowd was the 11th largest in U.S. Men’s National Team history, and the third largest crowd ever for an international exhibition for the United States.

    The shutout for the U.S. defense marked the sixth clean sheet for the United States in their last seven matches against Mexico. The U.S. also extended their impressive home shutout streak over Mexico to 483 minutes, stretching across six games, all the way back to 1999.

    “I thought that the Mexican team played very well tonight and in the first half we were very poor,” said U.S. manager Bruce Arena. “In the second half we made some adjustments and I think we played better. Our team’s match fitness is not where it needs to be for international play. That is a good result, considering the fact that (our players) are in the first month of their club season.”

    In the first half, the U.S. had a dangerous counterattack in the 16th minute, in which Landon Donovan streaked down the right flank before sending a perfect pass across the length of the field to DaMarcus Beasley, who hit the USA’s first shot of the match with a first-time rocket from the top of the penalty area that just missed the frame of the goal. The near miss would be repeated by both teams throughout the game.

    On the defensive side of the ball, U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard was stellar throughout the match. The MetroStars giant was up to the task in the 24th minute when Jesus Arellano finished off a nice give-and-go with a brilliant shot from 18 yards that was parried with two hands over the crossbar.

    The U.S. had a solid chance in the 39th minute when Carlos Bocanegra hit Clint Mathis in the area with a perfect pass. Mathis passed up a chance at goal and played the ball back across the goal mouth to an unmarked Beasley just six yards from goal, but he lost control of the ball and was unable to get off a shot.

    Just two minutes later, Mathis sprung Brian McBride in on goal and a brilliant side-step through the legs of Mexican defender Duilio Davino freed him for a quick shot on goal that just missed the left post. The late flurry from the U.S. brought the crowd into the game and a scuffle a few minutes later between Carlos Bocanegra and Hector Altamirano helped add to the atmosphere even more.

    Despite the Texas humidity, play continued to be brisk in the second half. The USA’s best chance to pull ahead came on a cross from McBride. The ball skimmed off the thigh of Landon Donovan, who had made a run through the heart of the box, as he tried to finish the ball in the 67th minute.

    Second-half substitute Bobby Convey helped thwart an excellent chance for Mexico in the 72nd minute, crashing into the area to tap a ball away from Arellano as he was about to shoot from close range on Howard from inside the goalkeeper area. Moments later, crafty Mexican forward Adolfo Bautista hit a bicycle on target from 12 yards that Howard easily snared.

    The U.S. could have won the game in the 84th minute when Chris Klein won a header in the penalty area on a great ball from Cobi Jones in the left corner. Klein’s header sailed just inches over the bar as he beat Oswaldo Sanchez and a couple of Mexican defenders to the ball.

    After the most successful year in U.S. Soccer history in 2002, the U.S. MNT has opened 2003 with a 3-1-1 record, with three of those results being shutouts. In June the U.S. will square off against Brazil, Cameroon and Turkey in the FIFA Confederations Cup from June 18-29 in France, and the USA will defend its regional championship in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup to be held from July 12-23 in Boston, Miami and Mexico City.

    The U.S. next faces Wales on May 26 in San Jose, (7 p.m. PT, live on ESPN2).

    - U.S. Men’s National Team Game Report -

    Match-up: United States Men's National Team vs. Mexico
    Date: Thursday, May 8, 2003
    Competition: International Friendly
    Venue: Reliant Stadium – Houston, Texas
    Kickoff: 6:55 p.m. CT
    Attendance: 69,582
    Weather: 83 degrees, humid, sunny

    Scoring Summary:
    1st Half: USA 0, MEX 0
    2nd Half: USA 0, MEX 0
    Final: USA 0, MEX 0
    Scoring: None

    Lineups:

    USA — 18-Tim Howard; 4-Carlos Bocanegra, 23-Eddie Pope, 6-Dan Califf; 25-Pablo Mastroeni (15-Bobby Convey, 66), 14-Chris Armas, 7-DaMarcus Beasley, 2-Frankie Hejduk (17-Chris Klein, 75), 11-Clint Mathis (8-Earnie Stewart, 46); 20-Brian McBride (capt.; 13-Cobi Jones, 79), 10-Landon Donovan.
    Subs not used: 24-Adin Brown, 3-Nick Garcia, 22-Richard Mulrooney.

    MEX — 1-Oswaldo Sanchez; 18-Salvador Carmona (capt.), 5-Duilio Davino, 3-Omar Briseno; 6-Luis Perez (17-Israel Lopez, 66), 4-Hector Altamirano, 21-Jesus Arellano (19-Irving Rubirosa, 75), 14-Octavio Valdez (7-Carlos Morales,66), 15-Juan Pablo Rodriguez; 9-Adolfo Bautista (20-Fernando Arce, 82), 11-Omar Bravo (10-Alberto Medina, 59).
    Subs not used: 12-Jose de Jesus Corona, 2-Ramon Morales, 16-Jose Castro, 22-Eduardo Rergis.

    Stats Summary:
    Shots USA 4, MEX 7
    Saves USA 5, MEX 1
    Corner Kicks USA 2, MEX 7
    Fouls USA 15, MEX 19
    Offside USA 4, MEX 2

    Misconduct Summary:
    MEX – Duilio Davino (caution) 34th minute.
    USA – Frankie Hejduk (caution) 41.
    MEX – Omar Bravo (caution) 53.

    Referee: Peter Prendergast (JAM)
    Senior Assistant Referee: Michael Mitchell (JAM)
    Junior Assistant Referee: Rohan Thobourne (JAM)
    Fourth Official: Kevin Terry (USA)

    Chevrolet Man of the Match: DaMarcus Beasley From USSoccer.com.

    » 05.07.03 - Thursday's U.S. Men's National Team Game vs. Mexico Sells Out Houston's Reliant Stadium: HOUSTON, Texas (Wednesday, May 7, 2003) – Thursday’s U.S. Men’s National Team match vs. Mexico in Houston’s Reliant Stadium has been officially declared a sellout. More than 65,000 fans purchased tickets and will be expected at the game, which is being presented by Budweiser.

    Kickoff is at 6:55 p.m. CT, and fans that missed out on tickets can follow the match via live broadcasts on ESPN2, Telemundo and the Radio Unica network. Fans can also follow live online with ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker, presented by Philips Electronics.

    The match, already slated to be the biggest in Texas soccer history, is now expected to draw the third largest crowd ever to see the U.S. Men’s National Team outside of the state of California. This will also be the fourth-largest attended U.S. vs. Mexico match in the United States.

    “We’re thrilled that the soccer match has been sold out,” Texans Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Steve Patterson said. “We’re tremendously excited about the communities response for the most important international sporting event Houston has ever hosted. The sellout shows that Houston is not only a great football town, but it’s a great fútbol town. The match is a great showcase for what makes Houston such a wonderful and diverse city.”

    The game, a rematch of the U.S.’s 2-0 win in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, will be the Men’s National Team’s second ever played in Houston. It will also be only the second meeting between these two rivals in the state. In seven games since 1990, the MNT has never lost in the state of Texas.

    Because of the large number of advance purchase tickets, fans are encouraged to arrive at the stadium early to avoid traffic and long lines at the will call windows. For the fans expected to visit Reliant Stadium for the first time, the following is a list of items that are not permitted in the stadium: coolers, strollers, umbrellas, seat cushions, backpacks, fanny packs, large purses, large bags, camera cases, binocular cases, bottles, cans, alcohol, thermoses, weapons, chairs, frisbees, poles/sticks, video recorders, and horns. From USSoccer.com.

    » 05.07.03 - Donovan has great memories of Mexico matches: By Andrew Monfried; HOUSTON (May 6, 2003) – Landon Donovan knows a little something about playing Mexico.

    Heading into his fourth border war with Mexico, the U.S. National Team forward knows exactly what to expect.

    "There's always an added level of intensity when playing against Mexico. For some reason we just don't like each other and we love to beat each other, it's pretty simple,” Donovan remarked.

    The San Jose Earthquakes star is a member of the American soccer generation that can confidently say it can beat Mexico. That was not the case five or ten years ago, but the U.S. has won five of the last six matches with its arch rivals. Donovan has never been involved in a game where the U.S. has lost to Mexico on the senior level.

    In fact, Donovan has some fine memories of playing Mexico unlike many American players of the past. Two of the brightest moments of his young career came against El Tri. On October 25, 2000, Donovan received his first cap for the National Team against Mexico at the Los Angeles Coliseum and scored a goal and an assist in just 58 minutes of work in a 2-0 win. He became the sixth player to score a goal on his debut for the National Team since 1985, but as an 18-year-old playing not far from his home in Redlands, Calif., his first cap was a blur.

    “Well, playing in your first game is just a weird experience. Everything happened so quickly, and I really just remember how I felt afterwards,” he remembered.

    The sweet memory that Donovan shares with many American soccer fans about a game with Mexico was the defining 2-0 win in the Round of 16 at the 2002 FIFA World Cup last summer. Donovan scored what turned out to be an insurance goal, but it also sealed one of the biggest wins in U.S. Soccer history. Not only did the goal beat the United States' biggest foe on the world stage, it sent the U.S. to the final eight of the tournament for the first time since 1930.

    “I have many memories from the US-Mexico game in the World Cup,” Donovan recalled, “but the two most vivid memories are the feeling after scoring the goal, followed by the feeling right after the final whistle was blown. Both feelings were absolutely incredible.”

    Perhaps, it was the fact that a lot of 20-year-olds don’t score a lot of goals in the World Cup or the fact that there was still plenty of time left in the game for Mexico to come back, but it took a while for Donovan to realize the real impact of his heading home the cross from Eddie Lewis in that game.

    “I really didn't realize at that moment what my goal meant to our chances of advancing, but when looking back on it, I can understand just how important it was,” he said.

    When Donovan steps onto the field for the rematch with Mexico on Thursday in Houston and sees over 60,000 people in the stands, he will know exactly the importance of that goal. USSoccerPlayers.com.

    » 05.03.03 - EARTHQUAKES DEFEAT THE NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 2-0 TO REMAIN UNBEATEN IN 2003: FOXBORO, MA (May 3, 2003) —The San Jose Earthquakes won their second consecutive match on Saturday afternoon defeating the New England Revolution 2-0 at Gillette Stadium. Brian Ching scored his second goal of the year and helped force an own goal to lead the Quakes to their fifth straight win against the Revolution. Goalkeeper Pat Onstad earned his second shutout in a row, making four saves as the Quakes continued their best start in club history. With the win, San Jose remains in first place in the Western Conference.

    17 minutes into the match the Quakes had some good ball movement to set up a chance for Ching in front of the net. Manny Lagos took a pass on the left wing and drew two defenders before sliding a ball back to Todd Dunivant. Dunivant chipped a pass back post to Brian Mullan, who beat his defender to head across the goalmouth for Ching. However, the ball slid just out of his reach and went out for a goal kick.

    Mullan was involved again for the Quakes in the 29th minute as he made a great individual run to get a shot off. Jeff Agoos sent a free kick to Mullan on the right wing. Mullan broke to the middle of the field and beat two defenders before sending a low shot just past the far post.

    The Quakes moved into the lead just three minutes before the halftime whistle on an own goal by Carlos Llamosa. Agoos curled a free kick to the penalty spot, where Ching was battling for position with Llamosa. The ball took a deflection off Llamosa and found its way past Revs goalkeeper Adin Brown to put the Quakes up 1-0.

    11 minutes after halftime, the Quakes had two chances to push the lead to two goals. On the first, Richard Mulrooney found Troy Dayak at the back post and Dayak headed past Brown, but the Revolution defense recovered to clear the ball away.

    Ching was successful moments later in giving the Quakes a two-goal advantage. Mullan took down a long ball in the right corner and moved toward the net. He spotted Ching inside the area and served a hard cross that found Ching alone in front. Ching headed past Brown and the Quakes had a 2-0 lead with 34 minutes to go.

    Landon Donovan nearly connected with Ching for the Quakes third goal in the 67th minute. Donovan moved past Rusty Pierce on the right wing and spun a cross with the outside of his right foot into the center of the penalty box. Brown came off his line and smothered the cross just as Ching arrived to thwart the opportunity.

    Onstad made two solid stops in the latter stages of the match to preserve the shutout. In the 73rd minute, Revolution forward Joe-Max Moore drove a low shot from long range that Onstad saved diving to his right. In injury time, Onstad came up big again as he made a stop on a Shalrie Joseph header. Moore served a ball into the box and Joseph headed low, but Onstad came across the net to make the save.

    The Earthquakes remain on the road next weekend as they play another Eastern Conference opponent the Chicago Fire on Saturday, May 10 at 5:30 p.m. PT. The match will be broadcast on tape delay on Fox Sports Net at 7:00 p.m. PT and live on the radio on Talk 910 AM KNEW.

    Notes:

    Since Frank Yallop took over in San Jose in 2001, the Quakes have won five straight matches against the Revolution, outscoring them 14-3 in those games.

    Saturday's win against the Revolution was the 30th of Frank Yallop's career with San Jose.

    Quakes midfielder Landon Donovan had his three-game point streak snapped in Saturday's win.

    Quotes:

    Frank Yallop, on game: "It wasn't a great game, but it is a good sign that we were able to grind out a result. We did not play great in the first half, but we got a lot sharper in the second half."

    Yallop, on late first half goal: "Scoring right at the end of the first half was important. Those are the kind of goals that change games. It kind of sparked us to play better in the second half and it put pressure on them to try and comeback."

    Brian Ching, on goal: "Brian Mullan served a great ball to me and I just beat my defender and headed past the goalkeeper. Brian made it easy for me. The space opened up at the near post and I just filled the space."

    Jeff Agoos, on Quakes defense: "In the last two games, against L.A. and then today, we have had difficult match-ups defensively and we responded very well in both games. We worked in preseason on maintaining our shape and making sure that we kept the opponent under pressure and we have done that so far. The forwards have been doing great work up top and the midfielders have been getting behind the ball so in the back we only have to worry about the two forwards."

    Agoos, on playing with Troy Dayak: "Last year, we did not play together very much due to injuries, but so far this year it has been great. There is a good understanding between us and we each have similar ideas about how to play, so we have had success together."

    From SJEarthquakes.com.

    » 05.03.03 - EARTHQUAKES FORWARD LANDON DONOVAN NAMED MLS PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL: [Donovan Becomes Third Player In Club History To Win Player Of The Month Award]

    SAN JOSE, CA (May 2, 2003) — San Jose Earthquakes forward Landon Donovan has been selected as Major League Soccer's Player of the Month for the month of April the league announced today. Donovan's goal and two assists in the Quakes first three games of 2003 have helped the team to a 2-0-1 record and the best start in club history.

    Donovan, 21, becomes just the third player in Earthquakes history to be honored as an MLS Player of the Month. Forward Ariel Graziani won the award in June, 2002 and Ronald Cerritos was selected as the September, 1999 Player of the Month.

    The third-year forward played a key role in all four Earthquakes goals in 2003 as San Jose has opened the season in first place despite injuries to five players which have forced the Quakes to dress just 15 players for their first three matches.

    The Player of the Month award is a first for Donovan, who has played in the last two MLS All-Star Games and was named the 2002 Honda U.S. Player of the Year.

    The Earthquakes look to remain unbeaten when they face the New England Revolution on Saturday, May 3 at 1:00 p.m. PT at Gillette Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and on Talk 910 AM KNEW.

    A panel of journalists from the Professional Soccer Reporters Association (PSRA) selects the MLS Player of the Month. From SJEarthquakes.com.

    » 05.01.03 - U.S. Men to Face New Zealand on June 8 in Richmond in Final Match Before Confederations Cup: CHICAGO (Thursday, May 1, 2003) - The United States Men's National Team will face 2002 Oceania Football Confederation champion New Zealand on Sunday, June 8 at the University of Richmond Stadium in Richmond, Va. Kickoff for the match is set for 1 p.m. ET, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and the Radio Unica network. Fans can follow the match live online via ussoccer.com's MatchTracker, presented by Philips Electronics. The U.S. match is part of a double header with the A-League Richmond Kickers, who will face the Atlanta Silverbacks at 3:45 p.m. following the U.S –New Zealand showdown.

    The match against New Zealand will serve as the team’s final tuneup prior to the USA’s participation in the FIFA Confederations Cup, and comes just 11 days prior to the USA’s opening match against Turkey on June 19 in St. Etienne, France. As OFC Champions, New Zealand will face France, Colombia and Japan in the prestigious eight-team international competition.

    “The New Zealand match will present an important opportunity to help finalize our team as we head to the Confederations Cup,” said U.S. Manager Bruce Arena. “New Zealand are a rugged, physical team and will provide a great challenge to our group. We’re looking forward to playing our send off match in a great soccer area like Richmond.”

    The U.S. and New Zealand have met only once before in their history. In their opening match of group play in the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, goals by Brian McBride and Jovan Kirovski led the USA to a 2-1 victory in Guadalajara, Mexico. The U.S. went on to capture third place in the tournament, their best-ever finish.

    After the most successful year in U.S. Soccer history, the U.S. has amassed a 3-1-0 record in 2003, collecting shutout victories against Canada and Venezuela. The U.S. Men’s National Team is making its second appearance in the state of Virginia and at the University of Richmond Stadium, where the U.S. collected a 2-0 victory against Trinidad and Tobago in a World Cup semifinal round qualifier on Nov. 10, 1996. The nearly 23,000 seat stadium played host to the NCAA Men’s Soccer Championships from 1995 to 1998, and is the home field for the Richmond Kickers.

    Tickets for the doubleheader ranging in price from $18 to $40 can be purchased starting tomorrow, May 2, at 10 a.m. ET through all Richmond area Ticketmaster outlets (including Ukrop's Supermarket, Farm Fresh and Hecht's), by phone at 804-262-8100 (Richmond), 757-671-8100 (Virginia Beach), or 800-527-6384 (Northern Virginia), and on-line at ussoccer.com. Information on group discounts can be obtained by calling 312-528-1290. [Click here for complete ticket information.]

    The U.S. Men’s National Team will take on El Salvador and Martinique when they begin their defense of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on July 12 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. The 2003 Gold Cup will run from July 12-27 and will also feature matches at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Fla., and Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. From USSoccer.com.

    » 05.01.03 - WORLD CUP AND MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER STAR LANDON DONOVAN FEATURED IN TV GUIDE: In the May 3 issue of TV Guide magazine (on newsstands today), Major League Soccer and U.S. National Team star Landon Donovan is featured under the header, “Best Foot Forward: Landon Donovan has become the poster boy of American soccer.”

    In the story, Donovan talks about his decision to stay with the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS, rather than accept a more lucrative offer to return to the German club that owns his contract. “MLS believed in me when the folks in Germany did not,” he says. “I owe it to them to stay here a couple more years.”

    Donovan, 21, became a stateside celebrity after the 2002 World Cup, complete with endorsement deals and a Hollywood girlfriend (Dawson’s Creek star Bianca Kajlich). He now has his sights set on getting his San Jose Earthquakes back to the MLS Cup championship game, as well as a May 8 U.S.-Mexico game in Houston, a rematch of the Americans’ landmark 2-0 win in a heated World Cup showdown. “They want revenge,” says Donovan, who scored one of the goals in the win over Mexico last summer. “That’s probably going to be our best game of the year.” From 90 Minutes (MLSNET.com).







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