Roy Wegerle

Roy Wegerle, an English League star making his first start for the United States national team, scored late in the first half to give the Americans a 1-0 victory over Portugal on Wednesday night in U.S. Cup '92. Bruce Murray made a superb pass through traffic at midfield for Wegerle, who was breaking down the middle. Wegerle was alone 25 yards from the goal.

With only four days left before its game with Germany at Parc des Princes Stadium here in its first World Cup '98 game, questions still surround the United States team. Who will start Monday? Will Eric Wynalda play? Will the tactics be offensive or defensive? Is the U.S. ready? The last question is perhaps the easiest for Coach Steve Sampson. "This team is ready to play," he said. "It has been ready for a long time. It's time to put behind us the friendly matches and get on with the competition.

Midfielder Hugo Perez probably will not be named to the 22-man roster that will play for the U.S. national soccer team at the World Cup, which begins one month from today in Italy, U.S. Coach Bob Gansler said. Perez recently resumed training after breaking a bone in his right leg in March while playing for a team in France's second division. "It is possible, but not likely," Gansler said when asked about Perez's prospects for joining the team in Italy.

It's difficult not to feel bad for Roy Wegerle, except that he's not the sort who would allow it. Wegerle, one of the U.S. soccer team's most experienced players, has been brought to his knees by the ligaments and cartilage in them. He had surgery on his right knee last Friday for the third time since January. Wegerle has not played for his club, Coventry City in the English Premier League, since being hurt in a game Jan. 8 and having surgery on his right knee 10 days later.

With only four days left before its game with Germany at Parc des Princes Stadium here in its first World Cup '98 game, questions still surround the United States team. Who will start Monday? Will Eric Wynalda play? Will the tactics be offensive or defensive? Is the U.S. ready? The last question is perhaps the easiest for Coach Steve Sampson. "This team is ready to play," he said. "It has been ready for a long time. It's time to put behind us the friendly matches and get on with the competition.

Whether they are viewed as reinforcements or saviors, the return of the European-based players to the U.S. national soccer team has begun, and their addition is expected to have a profound impact. The first to arrive is Roy Wegerle, who will start tonight when the United States plays host to Peru at Trabuco Hills High in Mission Viejo at 7:30. Wegerle, who plays in England, will be joined by seven other U.S. national team members who play in Europe as they assemble to prepare for next month's U.

It's difficult not to feel bad for Roy Wegerle, except that he's not the sort who would allow it. Wegerle, one of the U.S. soccer team's most experienced players, has been brought to his knees by the ligaments and cartilage in them. He had surgery on his right knee last Friday for the third time since January. Wegerle has not played for his club, Coventry City in the English Premier League, since being hurt in a game Jan. 8 and having surgery on his right knee 10 days later.

A 50-yard goal by Argentina's Alberto Naveda in the 47th minute and a 68th-minute penalty kick by Geoff Aunger helped the New England Revolution (4-3) to a 3-2 shootout victory over the Colorado Rapids before 14,323. Colorado (3-5) fought back on goals by Roy Wegerle (76th minute) and Jean Harbor (88th) but lost to a shootout goal by former San Jose midfielder Victor Mella.

Peter Vermes, a former captain of the U.S. national soccer team who started all three games during the 1990 World Cup, was cut by the team Wednesday. Vermes, 27, has 11 goals in 70 international appearances. However, his role was lessened in recent years, with more playing time given to Roy Wegerle, Ernie Stewart and Eric Wynalda.

The head of the soccer players' union in England doesn't like Americans playing on his home turf. "Not so long ago we were teaching the Americans how to play," Gordon Taylor said Monday. "Now I've got work permits for them piling up on my desk. It could be disastrous for us." Coventry City pursued U.S. defender Alexi Lalas, who signed last month with Padova of Italy's first division.

Whether they are viewed as reinforcements or saviors, the return of the European-based players to the U.S. national soccer team has begun, and their addition is expected to have a profound impact. The first to arrive is Roy Wegerle, who will start tonight when the United States plays host to Peru at Trabuco Hills High in Mission Viejo at 7:30. Wegerle, who plays in England, will be joined by seven other U.S. national team members who play in Europe as they assemble to prepare for next month's U.

Roy Wegerle, an English League star making his first start for the United States national team, scored late in the first half to give the Americans a 1-0 victory over Portugal on Wednesday night in U.S. Cup '92. Bruce Murray made a superb pass through traffic at midfield for Wegerle, who was breaking down the middle. Wegerle was alone 25 yards from the goal.

Midfielder Hugo Perez probably will not be named to the 22-man roster that will play for the U.S. national soccer team at the World Cup, which begins one month from today in Italy, U.S. Coach Bob Gansler said. Perez recently resumed training after breaking a bone in his right leg in March while playing for a team in France's second division. "It is possible, but not likely," Gansler said when asked about Perez's prospects for joining the team in Italy.

Sparked by the debut of new citizens Roy Wegerle and Thomas Dooley, the United States upset Ireland, 3-1, in soccer in Washington. Wegerle, 28, could have played for five nations because he was born in South Africa, has an American wife, a German passport, a Scottish mother and lives in England. He elected to play for the United States because he went to the University of South Florida. Dooley is the son of an American serviceman who abandoned his family three decades ago.