Lewis boosts U.S. standing

ATLANTA (CNNSI.com) -- Midfielder Eddie Lewis has strengthened his standing on the United States national team despite a lack of playing time at Fulham in the English Premier League.

The left-sided midfielder scored the only goal on Sunday as the United States defeated Ecuador 1-0 in Birmingham on Sunday.

Taking a short cross on the ground from Clint Mathis in the first half, Lewis slammed a left-footed shot across his body into the right corner of the goal with one touch. It was Lewis' third goal for the national team and his first in two years.

The only European-based players called up by Arena were those struggling for playing time with their clubs.

Asked after the game which players had improved their World Cup chances, Arena mentioned Lewis first.

But that won't help him get games with his club.

"He's not going to get games in England," Arena said. "He hasn't in over a year, and I don't expect that to change. The important thing now is that he gets games with us.

"Eddie has helped himself by playing with us. He's keeping sharp with his club team. He's working hard every day and playing with the reserve team.

"It's not like he doesn't play at all. He's playing with the reserve team," Arena said. "We just have to keep him active."

Lewis was not fully satisfied with his performance.

"I'm never really extremely pleased with my own play, but it always feels good to score," he said. "Over the last five or six games I've turned in some pretty positive performances."

He doesn't expect his bosses in Europe to take heed.

"To be totally honest, I don't think the fact that I scored today will really have a whole lot of weight when I go home," Lewis said.

It doesn't hurt his standing for the World Cup, though.

"Scoring goals helps, but I think Bruce is a good manager and he's looking for 23 players who are going to work well collectively in all different types of situations," Lewis said. "Scoring is a bonus, but I don't think it should be the focal point. There's a lot more to a person's play and performance than just one moment."

Lewis' flexibility won't hurt either. He played the second half of a 4-0 win over Honduras March 2 at left back, a position not totally unfamiliar to him when he was with San Jose in Major League Soccer.

 

Related information
Stories
U.S. tops Ecuador 1-0 in World Cup warmup Mulrooney makes most of World Cup chance
Multimedia
Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.