According to Concacaf.com, the US men are not playing in this. I thought that they were going to use this as warm-up to the Olympic Qualfying. Anyone have any info? http://www.concacaf.com/news/article.page/1332
First I'd heard of it. There was a report about a month ago that the DR was way behind in finishing venues, including soocer, and that the whole competition might be in jeopardy. But, this is the first time I've heard that the US isn't playing. That's too bad as this was gonna be the only real prep for the 23s heading into qualifying and likely the last chance for some fringe players to make a case for being on the qualifying roster.
I wonder how they chose the CONCACAF participants. If CONMEBOL backs out like last time, there could be room for the US.
The USSF certainly gave indications they expected to play. This is from their site and is one of many references they have made to participating. http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/default.sps?iTeamID=243
From the SoccerAmerica Daily e-mail. There will be no U.S. teams participating in the 2003 Pan-American Games soccer competitions Aug. 2-16 in the Dominican Republic. The United States has had a history of success in the tournament, winning the 1991 men's gold and 1999 women's gold, but changes in the format precluded U.S. participation. Four CONCACAF teams (Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico and the Dominican Republic) and four South American teams will be competing in the men's soccer competition. The men's tournament will be an under-22 competition, for players born on or after Jan. 1, 1981. Difficulty getting Olympic-age players during the MLS season contributed to the decision by U.S. Soccer not to participate. The United States also faces the prospect of having to field a team in the same age group for Olympic qualifying in the fall during the MLS season. Four years ago, the United States finished third with a team that included rising U-17 stars Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley. What "changes in the format" are precluding our involvement? It's been a U23 tournament in 91, 95 and 99. Also not sure why we couldn't have just sent our U20 team and used it as a prep for the WYC, but I'm not Dan Flynn.
I was hoping that we could have just sent some college all-stars just for the sake of playing in the Pan Am Games tourney. Could it be that the U.S. Fed has security concerns? They also indicated that they might have difficulty getting players for the Olympics. If we do not play in Athens next year, I'm gonna pack it in! We have a good chance to medal in the next Olympics and I do not want to pass that opportunity by if only to show the U.S. mainstream public that we CAN play this game! I think that the Olympics will have the best impact in getting this across to the American, non-soccer public.
USA is not serious This is strong proof that we are not a serious soccer playing nation. There is no way to pass on this competition if we expect any success at the Olympics. The U-23's on MSL teams are bench warmers for the most part and could easily be released. As someone suggested we could send some of the fringe players from college so they might make a case for consideration for the Olympic Team. This is a sad day for US Soccer.
This is sad, but look at the possible team: Donovan Beasley Quartanta Convey Countess Trembly Barclay Who else? I am drawing a blank, it has been a long week. Just looking at that list DC United could be hurt badly, along with Chicago and CJ. I mabye be greatly wrong, this has been a long week.
I don't see if DC will be fine, only Convey is a certain 90 minute player. Quartanta is in a fight with the forwards for time and may be no better than fourth on the depth chart. Barclay is fifth or lower on that chart. Trembly hasn't seen the field for two years with the Rapids and probably won't be on the Olympic Team anyway. Every MLS team has 2-3 eligible players that don't get consistent time on the field and could easily be spared. Any holes could be filled with college players that deserve a look. Saying players wouldn't be available is a very weak excuse and makes us sound like a very small ineffective soccer playing nation.
Re: USA is not serious Huh? This is nothing more than a friendly tournament, with little publicity likely even if we win it. We didn't even send our first team last time around.... MLS is going to get hammered this year by Fed call ups, especially if the Confederations Cup is a go. The Olympics are still more than a year away for goodness sakes..
Costa Rica is requesting an official explanation as to why their men's team wasn't chosen. http://www.prensalibre.co.cr/cgi-shl/2003/abril/08/deportes05.pl
I would love it if it was discovered that Mexico payed DR a ton on money to get in the tournament. That would be cool.
Re: USA is not serious You are kidding, right?? Give the way this whole event looks to be in trouble and the soccer portion is not even set up yet, then I think we are smart to stay away. The U23 players on MLS teams could be playing major roles by that part of the season. Building MLS is far more important than playing a few games in the PAN AM games this summer.