Exclusive Report for http://sandiegomlsproject.com Wed. March 22nd

This month in Germany, The USA Men played the only two nations who defeated us
in World Cup 2002. On March 1st, 2006, we were able to beat Poland 1-0 (a WC
'02 first round opponent), but today, we were unable to defeat Germany on their
home turf before a boisterous sold-out crowd in that country's largest football
stadium. In the end, Germany outscored USA 4-1.

At halftime, the score was 0-0, and this same crowd was very quiet, but in the
second half, Germany scored FOUR goals, 3 within an 8 minute span. Team USA
obviously lost their concentration and unraveled in the final 20 minutes of
play, as the spectators became famously the 'the 12 man', cheering on the
confident German team. They were led by two of the same teammates who were so
important in the defeat of the USA in the '02 World Cup quarterfinals: Michael
Ballack (who scored the lone goal vs. USA in 2002, and one tonight), and keeper
Oliver Kahn (the 2002 World Cup MVP, also in top form tonight).

San Diego native Steve Cherundolo, now a leading defender for Team USA, scored
tonight's final goal (in 85'), his first-ever for USA (and a rarity for any
defender). He is an alumnus of Mt. Carmel High School, and was also on the
California State Champion La Jolla Nomads club team. He is expected to join
fellow defender and San Diegan native Frankie Hejduk (out today due to injury)
on the final roster for the 2006 World Cup Finals in June.

More reports, All Access video, and podcasts on http://www.ussoccer.com


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