Mathis, Wolff back in US squad

ATLANTA, CMC:

CLINT MATHIS and Josh Wolff have been recalled to the United States' 21-man training squad for their November 11 match away to Trinidad & Tobago in the final round of the Football Confederation's qualifying for the 2002 World Cup.

Wolff has been sidelined since April, but has been in full training with the Chicago Fire for several weeks, while Matthis damaged his right knee in a training camp in June. Both have been key members of the qualification campaign and their return is welcomed.

With the United States securing qualification for Korea/Japan 2002 and Trinidad & Tobago eliminated, United States head coach Bruce Arena will use this final qualifier at Port-of-Spain to begin preparations for the 2002 Gold Cup and for next summer's drama.

"With the task of qualifying completed, we look at this match as Game One of our preparation for World Cup 2002," coach Bruce Arena said.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to give some newer players a chance to get experience at this level. At the same time, we are heading to Trinidad & Tobago with the idea of continuing to build upon our success and make ourselves a better team."

Arena has called seven Europe-based players - captain Claudio Reyna (Rangers/SCOTLAND), Joe-Max Moore (Everton/ENGLAND), Jovan Kirovski (Crystal Palace/ENG), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96/GERMANY), John O'Brien (AFC Ajax/HOLLAND) and Earnie Stewart (NAC Breda/HOL) - to join the training camp in Fort Lauderdale.

Seven of the 21 named were starters when the United States clinched their place in Korea/Japan 2002 with a 2-1 win against Jamaica at Boston on October 7.

The United States, second in the final hexagonal with 16 points, and Costa Rica, leading with 19, are the two teams from the FC region to reach the 2002 World Cup finals so far.

The final place will be decided when Mexico host Honduras at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on November 11. The Mexicans need only a draw to advance to the finals.

Squad:-

GOALKEEPERS: Kasey Keller, Nick Rimando, Zach Thornton.

DEFENDERS: Jeff Agoos, Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Carlos Llamosa, Eddie Pope, Greg Vanney.

MIDFIELDERS: daMarcus Beasley, Cobi Jones, Richard Mulrooney, John O'Brien, Claudio Reyna, Earnie Stewart.

STRIKERS: Landon Donovan, Jovan Kirovski, Clint Mathis, Joe-Max Moore, Ante Razov, Josh Wolff.

Back to Sport