ESPN Network:
ESPN.com
ESPN Deportes
Fantasy Games
|
|
|
| Sunday, November 17, 2002 20:12 EST |
U.S. ends year on winning note
[Associated Press]
WASHINGTON -- While congratulations are in order at the end
of a very good 2002, coach Bruce Arena's mind is already set on
2006.
The U.S. national team wrapped up its most successful year
Sunday with a 2-0 exhibition victory over El Salvador, a game
featuring a young roster that offered an early gauge on prospects
for the next World Cup in Germany.
The United States finished 13-6-1 this year, setting a national
record for victories and advancing to the quarterfinals of the
World Cup for the first time in 72 years.
"The last couple of months, we've received a lot of praise and
all, and I'm grateful for all that,'' Arena said. "But enough
already. We've had our congratulatory tour, and now we just want to
get on with the business of starting all over again.''
Ben Olsen, returning after four operations on his right ankle,
scored his first international goal in more than 2½ years. Sasha
Victorine scored in just his second U.S. team appearance, and four
players made their international debuts.
"For the first international match for a number of guys, it was
good,'' Arena said. "We had a good week of training. It was good
to get to know a new group.''
One thing hasn't changed: RFK Stadium retains its away-game
atmosphere when a Central American nation comes to town. Local
Salvadorans were the louder partisans among the 13,590 rain-soaked
fans, with blue and white flags outnumbering the stars and stripes.
Olsen's goal came in the 31st minute, a strong header from 10
yards into the right side of the net on a cross from Chris Klein on
the right wing. Olsen's defender slipped on the wet turf as the
ball arrived, but Klein's cross was so well placed that it probably
made little difference.
It was Olsen's fourth international goal, but his first since
March 12, 2000. The D.C. United midfielder was essentially out of
soccer for 16 months with the ankle injury before returning to MLS
in late July.
"It's good to put on the uniform again,'' Olsen said. "I've
been excited all week to get back out here. This capped it off
pretty well.''
Victorine scored in the 60th minute on a give-and-go with Clint
Mathis, who looked slimmer than he did at the World Cup, where he
was criticized for being out of shape. The Los Angeles Galaxy star
slid his shot between the legs of goalkeeper Juan Gomez from 8
yards.
The entire U.S. team consisted of MLS players. Starters Wade
Barrett and Taylor Twellman made their first international
appearances, as did substitutes Kyle Martino and second-half
goalkeeper Nick Rimando. Dan Califf, Victorine and starting
goalkeeper Tim Howard were making their second appearances.
El Salvador also fielded a young team, mostly under-21 players
in preparation for the Central American and Caribbean Games, which
begin next weekend in San Salvador. It was El Salvador's first
competitive game since the Gold Cup in January.
Arena will hold the next U.S. team camp in January, again
consisting of MLS players, with tentative plans for three
exhibition matches in the first three months of the year.
"The youth on this team is exciting,'' Olsen said. "You saw it
out there -- there's a lot of talent.''
|
|
|
|
|
|
