Mike Sorber finally got to play for the United States in front of his hometown fans when the U.S. returned to St. Louis for the first time in more than seven years. SOCCER AMERICA: Good to play in front of your hometown fans? MIKE SORBER: This was a big thrill for me to finally get to come home and get to play รน not to watch. SA: You fitted into the lineup in defensive midfield with John Harkes and helped to free him up a little … MS: Yeah, I love that position. Last time it was [Tom] Dooley, this time it was Harkes. Those guys have an extremely high workrate and they create good opportunities. So it’s better for them to have freedom to go, but they just need to have somebody to stay, which is my position. I give them the freedom to get forward. SA: Overall, you’re happy with how things are going? MS: Definitely. I was out for about a year and no player ever likes sitting on the bench. But you have to accept that, keep a good attitude, keep working hard. Things paid off and when I got the chance against Mexico, I think I played well and the team played well and that gave me another opportunity tonight. But every time I go out there, I need to show that I belong. SA: What about the MetroStars? MS: It’s a little difficult in New York. I think the team could be better. I don’t think anyone is happy with the results we’re getting right now. But I think when we get Tab Ramos and Manny Lagos, then hopefully things will improve. We’re tied with Tampa, which isn’t great but we’re close to everyone else. So, we’re not that far away. We need to get good results, we need to play better. With time, hopefully, that will come. by Soccer America Senior Editor Duncan Irving