A day in the park: The day after the USA-Czech Republic game, the U.S. men’s team traveled 45 minutes southeast of the capital to meet family and friends at the Tidbinbilla Natural Wildlife Reserve. The group set up everyone at a lovely picnic setting within the mountainous national park that was dotted by roving emus and local children playing a pee-wee version of rugby, as well as our own soccer. Galaxy midfielder Sasha Victorine seemed to be the most proficient at correctly tossing the slightly larger pigskin, but almost too well, as one heavy pass bowled over the 7-year-old he was playing catch with. After lunch everyone headed up from the valley and into the lush vegetation in search of koalas and kangaroos. The guys found out quickly that koala hunting is an art. They live high up in the eucalyptus trees that provide their food and shelter, and their lack of movement makes them almost indiscernible at a quick glance. Upon their return to their hotel, they discovered that neither local television station nor bars were showing the U.S. women’s opener in Melbourne, so the coaches and many of the players settled for watching potential second-round opponents: Japan face South Africa (2-1 for the Japanese). No opening ceremonies: With the key Cameroon game scheduled for less than 24 hours after the opening ceremonies in Sydney, the U.S. men chose to forego the march. Injury report: Still nursing a strained groin, U.S. team captain Brian Dunseth was pulled from the starting lineup for the Sept. 13 match following a meeting with team doctors, who determined he was probably not fit to play an entire 90 minutes. Fellow Cal State Fullerton product Joey DiGiamarino is in the same boat. Both are being evaluated on a day-by-day basis.