Goalkeeper Kasey Keller had to watch from the bench during the first two games since recalled by U.S. coach Steve Sampson. But in between the 2-1 loss to Costa Rica May 28 and the 3-2 win over Nigeria June 11 — both with Brad Friedel in goal — Keller played three games with the U.S. U-23/Olympic team on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten.

A 3-1 win over St. Maarten and a 0-0 tie with Brazilian club Friburguense earned the U.S. a spot in the third-place match with Sparta Rotterdam in the 2nd Caribbean International Tournament.

The Americans prevailed 1-0 over the Dutch First Division club on a 25-yard goal by Temoc Suarez.

“Kasey came in and fit in tremendously with the guys,” said U.S. Olympic coach Timo Liekoski. “Our guys took to him right away.”

Assistant coach Sigi Schmid said, “Keller brought leadership and composure on the field. Off the field, the professionalism he brought into camp was definitely a big plus.”

Keller, 25, has been playing for England’s Millwall since 1992. He appears to be a prime candidate for a wild-card spot on the Olympic tournament, a U-23 competition that allows each team to field three overage players.

Having gone winless at the Pan American Games in March — with Zach Thornton in goal — the U.S. won its first match this year against a national team opponent April 15 when it beat Canada 4-2.

“Nothing builds team unity like good results,” said Schmid. “Coming from behind against Canada was a good step, and going 2-0-1 in St. Maarten was a second step. The team is pulling together.”

Gregg Berhalter, who played last season for FC Zwolle of the Dutch Second Division, was named MVP of the tournament, which was won by Friburguense, a 2-1 winner over French First Division club Cannes.

“Berhalter played very well in the central defense,” Schmid said, “was very strong in the air, and was passing well out of the back.”

One of his passes went to Suarez, his former North Carolina teammate, in the third-place match and led to the gamewinner.

The team convenes again in San Diego June 15 for training camp at the ARCO Training Center, where it begins training on a full-time basis Oct. 1. In July, the U.S. plays five games in two weeks, including two matches against Chile and one against Trinidad & Tobago.

by Soccer America Senior Editor Mike Woitalla