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Notebook Home team's success puts MLS Cup ticket sales over 30,000Posted: Tuesday October 15, 2002 11:47 AMSome 30,000 tickets have been sold for Sunday's MLS Cup already, and there is a chance that this week's final will exceed the league record of 57,431 for a Cup (set by D.C. in 1997), given the New England Revolution's historically strong support. ''We have sold 10,000 tickets the last two days, which shows a direct correlation between the impact of having the Revolution in it,'' Revs director of special events Craig Tornberg told the Boston Globe on Monday. ''Four weeks ago I thought we would be in the 30,000 range but now all bets are off. We are at 30,000-plus now and we have never had anything close to this in a similar period of time.'' Still interimSteve Nicol, the Revs' interim coach, remains saddled with that tag by choice, apparently. Gulati had offered to talk to Nicol about his contract status after the season ended, which was anticipated to be Oct. 22, before Nicol and the Revolution charged their way into the finals. Now, says Gulati, Nicol, who is a bit superstitious, doesn't want to rock the boat at all and will wait to negotiate on the 22nd instead of taking care of matters sooner.Coach of the yearSpeaking of Nicol, he has a solid chance to win the MLS Coach of the Year Award, meaning the league may have to rename the prize the Interim Coach of the Year.Twellman hopefulTwellman, who is questionable for the final, has expressed hope that he will play. However, he is adamant about one thing, "I will not play in a brace," said the striker, who fears it would hinder his effectiveness.Lalas returnsThe finals will mark the return of Galaxy defender Alexi Lalas to New England, where he began his MLS career. Lalas is best known in Foxboro for scoring the legendary goal against England in 1993 that led the U.S. to a 2-0 win.Americans abroadBecause of Euro 2004 qualifiers and various international matches, many Americans were idle, along with their leagues. One that did play was keeper Johnny Walker in Chile, for U. Catolica against Universidad Chile, its esteemed rival, according to the Chilean newswire (translation -- they hate each other), at the national stadium. In a wild match with several brawls, Walker was injured in the 70th minute when he was tripped from behind by his own player, Christian Alvarez, sending him into Mauricio Panillia's shoulder and colliding directly with Walker's jaw, knocking him out. Walker was taken off the field wearing a neck brace after a seven-minute delay and apparently could not be replaced because of Chilean league rules that strictly limit teams to three subs. The diminutive Alvarez, a field player, stepped in and saved a penalty kick with his feet by Pedro Gonzalez, and U. Catolica came away with the draw. WUSA in the newsThe Philadelphia Charge traded forward Mandy Clemens to San Jose for the CyberRays' first pick in the 2003 WUSA Draft (fourth overall). ... Two WUSA players have been loaned to German club FFC Frankfurt. Carolina forward Birgit Prinz and Washington defender Steffi Jones will remain with FFC Frankfurt until early February.
© 2003 SportsTicker Enterprises, LP
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