On the first day of the German First Division 2002-2003 season, American defenders Tony Sanneh (Nuremberg) and Steve Cherundolo (Hannover) started but came out on the losing side.

GERMANY

* Tony Sanneh (Nuremberg, B1) vs. Bochum, 1-3. Started: 90 minutes.

In the loss to First Division newcomer Bochum, right back Sanneh and all the Nuremberg defenders received ratings of 6 — the worst possible — by Kicker Magazine.

* Steve Cherundolo (Hannover, B1) at Hamburg, 1-2. Started: 71 minutes.

Hannover conceded both goals after Cherundolo was subbed. In the preseason, the 23-year-old defender was one of five players elected to the club's players' leadership group.

* Conor Casey (Hannover, B1) at Hamburg, 1-2. DNP: injured.

* Cory Gibbs (St. Pauli, B2) at Eintracht Frankfurt, 0-4. Started: 90 minutes.

Gibbs, whose team was relegated to the Second Division with a last-place finish in the First Division last season, played on the left side of a three-man backline. All three defenders received 5s — the second lowest grade possible — by Kicker Magazine.

* Frankie Hedjuk (Bayer Leverkusen, B1) vs. Energie Cottbus, 1-1. DNP.

* Mike Duhaney (Mainz, B2) at Union Berlin, 2-0. DNP.

* Grover Gibson (Mainz, B2) at Union Berlin, 2-0. Entered as a substitute: 81st minute.

* Jacob Thomas (Braunschweig, B2) vs. Waldhof, 4-2. DNP.

CHILE

* Jonny Walker (Universidad Catolica , D1) vs. Colo Colo (1-1) Started: 90 minutes.

An 84th-minute header by Arturo Norumbuena helped Catolica earn a point on the road against one of its big rivals in Santiago. Francisco Huaquipan's deflected shot from inside the area eluded Walker in the 34th minute for the game's first goal

ENGLAND

* Greg Berhalter (Crystal Palace, D1) vs. Preston North End, 2-1. DNP.

The U.S. World Cup 2002 defender has been informed by Coach Trevor Francis that he's not in his plans this season. Berhalter, who is considering a move to MLS, is relegated to reserve team duty.

Berhalter's compatriot teammate Jovan Kirovski has encountered work permit problems regarding a transfer to Birmingham City.

FRANCE

* Gregg Vanney (Bastia, D1) at Nantes, 0-1. DNP.

* Oguchi Onyewu (Metz, D2) vs. Reims, 0-0. DNP.