No. 1 contenders

Keller, Friedel still fighting over goalkeeper's jersey

NEW YORK (AP) -- The starting goalkeeper for the United States at the World Cup will be a well-traveled netminder with loads of international experience for both club and country.

But the question for U.S. coach Bruce Arena remains a difficult one: Who will that man be?

Brad Friedel, the No. 2 'keeper at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, and Kasey Keller, the starter for the disappointing 1998 squad and backup in 1990, are both vying for the top spot at the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.

Friedel, who currently plays in England for Blackburn and has more international caps, and Keller, who suits up for Tottenham, are similar in style and both have served the U.S. well over the years. Friedel -- who has started every Premier League game for Blackburn this season -- is 30 years old, Keller is 32.

In the last warm-up, a 2-1 loss to Ireland in Dublin, Friedel got the start -- just his second of the year -- and gave up one goal. In his first start, the U.S. lost 1-0 to Italy.

Keller, who came on in the second half against Ireland, let in the game-winner in the 84th minute.

As a starter in 2002, Keller is 6-1, including a CONCACAF Gold Cup championship. Keller has also played in Spain's top league with Madrid-based side Rayo Vallecano.

Part of the reason Keller has seen more time with the national team this year is that he spent most of the season on the bench at Tottenham while Friedel was the regular Blackburn.

"Brad Friedel is my main competitor for the USA team and he has had a very good year with Blackburn," Keller said in January. "For me, it would have been very difficult to expect to challenge to play in the World Cup if I went the whole of this season without playing for Tottenham."

Friedel, the second-most capped keeper in U.S. history, is a solid shot-stopper with good ball-distribution skills. He made his international debut in 1992, recording a shutout vs. Canada.

Keller, who has a flair for making big saves, possesses quick reflexes and excellent positioning. He earned his first cap in 1990 against Colombia.

Although Keller was between the posts four years ago when the United States finished last out of 32 teams he can hardly be blamed for the disastrous showing.

Then-coach Steve Sampson made several key changes just before the tournament started, including dropping captain John Harkes and making Thomas Dooley a libero -- a position difficult for even the world's best defenders.

In 1990 and 1994, Tony Meola was the starting goalie for the U.S. Meola will be the No. 3 keeper this year.

 

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