USA
Meola to Earn His 100th Cap in Friendly with Jamaica
By Shane Killian
April 4, 2006
Clint Dempsey gets another chance against Jamaica
Veteran U.S. goalkeeper Tony Meola will be given the opportunity to earn his 100th career cap when the U.S. Men face Jamaica on April 11. Manager Bruce Arena has called 18 players into camp for what will be the team's final game before the World Cup roster is finalized.
Newly signed Chivas USA player John O'Brien will make his first appearance for the national team since August when he was forced to leave the team's World Cup Qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago with a groin injury. Steve Ralston, Chris Albright and Pat Noonan also get their final chance to impress Arena after missing the last few games with injuries.
"The Jamaica game is an important game for our players as it is the last opportunity for them to show before we announce a preliminary roster for the World Cup," said Arena. "We will certainly be watching closely as we continue to finalize our plans for Germany."
Although he's not in the mix for a roster spot in Germany, Meola will deservedly get much of the attention as he reaches a huge milestone.
"Tony Meola has had an outstanding career for the national team with three World Cups to his credit, as well as 11 years in MLS," said Arena. "It's an honor for me and U.S. Soccer to recognize Tony's achievements in our sport by watching him earn his 100th cap for his country. We look forward to a special evening and recognizing Tony for an illustrious career."
After playing for Arena at The University of Virginia, Meola went on to lead the U.S., while playing every minute, in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. He was also a backup on the 2002 squad and has been an MLS All-Star five times. He he is the USA's all-time leader in appearances for goalkeepers and is second to Kasey Keller in both wins (37) and shutouts (32).
Clint Dempsey will also return to the National Team after not being selected for the recent friendly against Germany. Dempsey was eligible to play but was not selected by Arena after being suspended by his club team for an altercation.
The U.S. is undefeated in 16 meetings with Jamaica, holding a 9-0-7 record against the Reggae Boyz. The game will be played before sold-out crowd at SAS Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.
U.S. Roster Against Jamaica
Goalkeepers -- Tony Meola (New York Red Bulls), Matt Reis (New England Revolution)
Defenders -- Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nick Garcia (Kansas City Wizards), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Pope (Real Salt Lake)
Midfielders -- Clint Dempsey (New England Revolution), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Pat Noonan (New England Revolution), John O'Brien (Chivas USA), Ben Olsen (D.C. United), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution), Kerry Zavagnin (Kansas City Wizards)
Forwards -- Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution), Josh Wolff (Kansas City Wizards)