» 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

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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.