MLS Sends 9 Players for Scotland Friendly

USA coach Bruce Arena has chosen nine players from the MLS to team with eleven from abroad to round out the 20 man roster. The Eastern Conference has 8 players, led by the Kansas City Wizards and D.C. United, who will each contribute three men to the squad. Arena selected one man from each position from the Wizards, Josh Wolff as the forward, midfielder Kerry Zavagnin and defender Jimmy Conrad behind him. For United, veteran Ben Olsen was recalled to the squad that he has seen him capped 26 times. His center-midfield partner Brian Carroll will head to Europe looking for just his second cap, while young midfielder Santino Quaranta has collected eight in his short career.

The Chicago Fire and MetroStars will send one youngster apiece. MLS Rookie of the Year finalist Chris Rolfe (forward, Chicago Fire) receives his first call-up to the full national team, while 19-year-old Metros midfielder Eddie Gaven makes his second appearances.

The lone Western Conference representative on the roster is forward Brian Ching (San Jose Earthquakes). The Hawaii native is looking to get back into contention for the USA's final roster for the 2006 World Cup after missing much of the MLS season through injury.

So it's an experimental team that the U.S.A will be fielding? I think its the same with the Scots too some new faces, Scott Brown (Hibernian) Ian Murray (Rangers) Jamie Smith (Aberdeen)

Evidently Arena had some problems getting more of his usual Euorpean based players for the game, and besides, Arena is known to mess with the line-up and give a try to everyone. That can be good or bad, but as we approach the WC he needs to get the main players playing together.....(as you might be able to tell, I'm not a big Arena fan. He's done very well with the U.S. side and should be commended on it, but I feel we need another coach to take us to the next level, or at least try)....

Yes i can understand your frustrations, especially when you seem to have a strong squad at this current time, that under the right management could potenially achieve greater things?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about moving up in the FIFA ratings. What are we, 6 or 7? I put no creedence in that except that they usually get the No# 1 team right, and that is who everyone should measure themselves with. I just think we can do a bit more tactically with a different coach...Hey, but that's why I'm coaching 8-9 yr olds and Arena is getting a paycheck to coach the big guys....

whats this Eddie Gaven like?? I've been reading and hearing a few very good reviews and articles stating that he may be the USA's Future superstar??

Your fine fine opinion and info Mr Oranje

Eddie is still a young player that's learning the game. He's done well in the MLS, but it's a different game on the National scene. He has his good games and than seems to drift out as if he's not there. Hopefully it's a learning thing and he'll continue to improve.....

I must say that i am going to quite enjoy this area of the forum!

Its a very cool idea - Shortly i do feel that America will become a major force in World Football - they have already made an impact but i do think with younger players now coming to the fore that the writing is on the wall!

USA will soon be up there!

didnt know