Quiet beginning for Arena
U.S., Australia play to scoreless draw in coach's debut
Posted: Saturday November 07, 1998 03:50 PM
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Hey, at least no one lost: US coach Bruce Arena (left) and Australian coach Raul Blanco share a laugh before the match AP |
SAN JOSE, California (AP) -- Bruce Arena wasn't disappointed that his debut as U.S. soccer coach ended in a 0-0 draw with Australia on Friday night.
"It was a good first outing for our team," Arena said. "I'm happy to be in this position and look forward to the challenge."
The match was the first for the United States since it was eliminated from the World Cup in France on June 25. Arena was named U.S. coach on October 27, replacing Steve Sampson.
"It was a good opportunity to get young players their first international experience," Arena said. "I know we'll continue to improve."
U.S. goalie Zach Thornton, making his second appearance with the national team, made three saves and handled numerous dangerous crosses to help keep the game scoreless.
"He played an outstanding game," said Australia coach Raul Blanco. "He did absolutely nothing wrong all night."
Australia goalie Jason Petkovic had two saves.
Australia had an indirect kick from 6 yards in the 78th minute, but Mark Viduka's shot was blocked by Cobi Jones.
"I thought we did a solid job. This was a good start for us," said U.S. defender Jeff Agoos, the only member of the national team to have played for the past five coaches. "It's a great new atmosphere. Everyone is excited. It feels like a new beginning."
U.S. midfielder Clint Mathis made a nice run down the right side into the penalty area in the 49th minute, but shot the ball across the face of the goal.
In the 60th minute, U.S. forward Roy Lassiter stole a pass back to the goalie, but lofted the ball over the net.
The U.S.'s best chance to score in the first half came in the third minute, when Lassiter had a one-on-one with Petkovic just outside the goalkeeper's box. Petkovic came out to challenge and was able to block Lassiter's shot.
Three U.S. starters made their first appearance: defender Carlos Llamosa, and midfielders Clint Mathis and Richie Williams. In addition, second-half substitutes Chris Armas, C.J. Brown and Ben Olsen also earned their first caps.
The game was just the second international between Australia and the United States. Australia won 1-0 on June 13, 1992 in Orlando, Florida.
United States 0, Australia 0
Australia 0 0 -- 0
U.S. 0 0 -- 0
Lineups
USA -- 1-Zach Thornton, 12-Jeff Agoos, 18-Carlos Llamosa, 23-Eddie Pope, 21-Richie Williams (7- Chris Armas, 46), 6-Eddie Lewis (14-Ben Olsen, 73), 15-Clint Mathis (8-Mark Chung, 69), 9-Joe-Max Moore, 13-Cobi Jones (capt.), 10-Roy Lassiter (C.J. Brown, 92+), 20-Brian McBride
AUS -- 1-Jason Petkovic, 2-Brett Emerton, 4-Hayden Foxe, 5-Alex Tobin (capt.), 6-Tony Popovic, 7-Kasey Wherman, 8-Lucas Neill, 9-Mark Viduka, 10-Josip Skoko, 11-Damian Mori, 12-Simon Colosimo (13-Rafael Bove, 92+)
Statistical Summary
USA AUS
Shots 8 11
Saves 3 2
Corner Kicks 10 5
Fouls 27 20
Offside 5 5
Misconduct Summary
AUS Damian Mori (caution) 11
AUS Josip Skoko (caution) 20
USA Clint Mathis (caution) 55
USA Roy Lassiter (caution) 78
USA Carlos Llamosa (ejection) 90
Officials
Referee: Mike Seifert (CAN)
Assistant Referee: Eric Roy (CAN)
Assistant Referee: John Nielson (CAN)
Fourth Official: Rene Parra (CAN)
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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