20150: (Hermantin)Miami-Herald-U.S. preps to face Haiti (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>

Posted on Sun, Mar. 07, 2004


ON SOCCER


U.S. preps to face Haiti

MICHELLE KAUFMAN

mkaufman@herald.com


The U.S. men's national team begins training at Florida International
University today in preparation for Saturday's match against Haiti at the
Orange Bowl. The 18-man roster includes only two Europe-based players --
defenders Carlos Bocanegra and Tony Sanneh -- so coach Bruce Arena said it
will be a chance for Major League Soccer players to make an impression.

''This is a group of players who continue to build on their experiences at
the international level,'' Arena said. ``With World Cup qualifying only
three months away, our focus continues to be on developing a deep and
experienced roster for the two-year qualifying process. These games give our
MLS players a chance to prove themselves at this level.''

Among the players on Saturday's roster: Landon Donovan, Bobby Convey, Chris
Armas, DaMarcus Beasley, Eddie Pope, FIU alum Steve Ralston and Fort
Lauderdale native Cory Gibbs. Chris Albright was added as a replacement for
Pablo Mastroeni, who pulled a hamstring in training last week.

The Haitian team, meanwhile, has settled into its new temporary housing in
Miami Gardens and Miami Shores, donated by Caribbean American Corporate
Services, a Miami-based company. The cash-strapped team, coached by former
U.S. defender Fernando Clavijo, has been distracted with the insurgency in
Haiti. Players spend much of the day watching CNN and trying to contact
relatives to make sure they are safe.

The last time Haiti played the United States at the Orange Bowl -- a 3-0
U.S. win in the 2000 Gold Cup -- a crowd of 49,000 showed up. More than half
the audience was rooting for Haiti. Another big crowd is expected Saturday
for what could preview a potential World Cup qualifying matchup.

The U.S. team first plays either Grenada or Guyana in the second round in
June, and will be an overwhelming favorite in the two-leg series. Assuming
the Americans pass that round, they will be on the road for three of their
first four semifinal qualifying matches. One match would be Aug. 18 at
Jamaica or Haiti -- though the game could be moved to Miami if Haiti is
deemed unsafe at the time.

El Salvador or Bermuda likely would play the U.S. at home Sept. 4, and the
next two U.S. games would be on the road, Oct. 13 and Nov. 17.

''We don't want to put the cart ahead of the horse,'' said Arena, whose 2002
World Cup hopes came down to a win over Bermuda. ``If we are successful and
reach the semifinal stage, we look forward to the competition. We know from
past experiences it will be a very difficult and challenging competition,
yet one for which we will be prepared and ready to go.''

Tickets for Saturday's match are on sale at Ticketmaster outlets. They are
$15 for youth general admission, $20 for adult general admission and $35 for
reserved seats.

_________________________________________________________________
FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar – get it now!
http://clk.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/