U.S. MNT Notes from Amsterdam - Feb. 16, 2004

AMSTERDAM (Mon., Feb. 16, 2004) - The U.S. Men's National Team went through the paces for the third time since arriving in Amsterdam, Bruce Arena's men going 90 minutes Monday morning at the Olympic Stadium, the site originally built to host the 1928 Olympic Games.

U.S. Men's National Team Training Camp Update
February 16, 2004
Amsterdam, Holland

COUNTDOWN IN AMSTERDAM: The U.S. Men's National Team went through the paces for the third time since arriving in Amsterdam, Bruce Arena's men going 90 minutes Monday morning at the Olympic Stadium, the site originally built to host the 1928 Olympic Games. With the arrival of Gregg Berhalter on Sunday evening, the 22-man complement is now complete. The team took time out for a social call earlier this evening, as the players and staff were entertained at a reception at the Philips Headquarters in downtown Amsterdam.  The U.S. returns to business tomorrow evening, holding their final training session at the Amsterdam ArenA at 5 p.m. local time.  Kickoff for Wednesday's match is set for 2:30 p.m. ET, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2.  Fans can also follow the match live on ussoccer.com's MatchTracker, presented by Philips Electronics.

HOWARD ON COLD PIZZA TUESDAY MORNING: U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard will be interviewed live from Amsterdam by host Brandon Tierney on ESPN2's Cold Pizza Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. ET.  In addition to making his first appearance on U.S. television since joining Manchester United in July, Howard will provide fans a first glimpse of the USA's new Nike uniform to be worn in Wednesday's match.  Howard has made a stellar start to his professional career in England, backstopping Manchester United to a second-place spot in the EPL while posting four shutouts in UEFA Champions League group play.

FOR AN EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE USA'S NEW NIKE KIT, CLICK HERE

MATHIS EN FUEGO AT HANNOVER:  Clint Mathis appears to have re-discovered his goalscoring touch, netting two goals in three matches since joining Hannover in January.  Mathis' collected his latest victim on Saturday against Bayer Leverkusen, the crafty forward picking off a misplayed backpass at the midfield stripe before embarking on a 60-yard run that was capped with a curling right-footed strike in the 40th minute.  The match ended on level terms with a 2-2 scoreline, leaving Mathis and fellow U.S. international Steve Cherundolo sitting in 10th place in the German Bundesliga.

USA'S "FIRST FAN" TO RECEIVE JERSEY AT AMSTERDAM ARENA:  As part of the launch of the new Nike kit, U.S. Soccer will make one lucky U.S. fan at the game the recipient of the "First Fan Jersey," emblematic as the first fan anywhere to proudly own the USA's new look jersey. More than 150 fans from 21 states are travelling to Holland for the match, and one lucky supporter will leave with the "First Fan" jersey.  The match is drawing large fan attention at home as well, with several bars organizing viewing parties, including Ginger's Ale House in Chicago, voted Best Soccer Pub in the U.S in ussoccer,com's "Best of 2003" series, and Summer's Restaurant in Arlington, Va., the 2002 winner. A complete listing of bars hosting viewing parties can be found at www.ussoccerfan.com

REIZEGER THE FIRST ORAANJE TO FALL:  Barcelona defender Michael Reiziger suffered a leg injury in their 3-1 league win against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, and has been ruled out of the Dutch side.  He is replaced by Ajax defender Nigel de Jong, who has received his first call-up to the Holland selection.  The  Oraanje bost some of the finest attacking talent in the world, led by Manchester United leading scorer Ruud van Nistlerooy.  The complete Dutch roster:

Goalkeepers: Edwin van der Sar (Fulham FC), Ronald Waterreus (PSV)
Defenders: Frank de Boer (Glasgow Rangers), Wilfred Bouma (PSV), John Heitinga (Ajax), Nigel de Jong (Ajax), Jaap Stam (Lazio Roma), Boudewijn Zenden (Middlesbrough)
Midfielders: Mark van Bommel (PSV), Phillip Cocu (FC Barcelona), Edgar Davids (FC Barcelona), Wesley Sneijder (Ajax), Rafael van der Vaart (Ajax)
Forwards: Pierre van Hooijdonk (Fenerbahce), Roy Makaay (Bayern München), Andy van der Meyde (Internazionale), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United), Marc Overmars (FC Barcelona), Arjen Robben (PSV)

CLASS REUNION:  Training camp in Amsterdam has been a reunion of sorts for many members of the U.S. side, with the roster against Holland holding the largest contingent of 2002 World Cup alumni since the glorious summer in Korea.  Thirteen players on the current roster were part of the USA's historic run to the quarterfinals, while eight players were in the first XI when the U.S. downed Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16 match on June 17, 2002 in Jeonju, Korea. 

THEY SAID IT: 
"Mexican food."  Carlos Bocanegra, on what he misses most about the United States since his move to Fulham.