Q&A with the SA Editors: March 6, 1998

Mike

High Point, N.C.

Who plays professionally (abroad or domestically — besides MLS) that is young enough for the 2000 Olympics? Here are names I know of. Please correct me if I`m wrong : Goalkeepers: Tim Howard (North Jersey, USISL). Defenders: John O`Brien (Ajax, Holland), Ian Joy (Tranmere Rovers Reserves, England), Justin Stoddard (Rochester, A-League), Maurice Ligeon (Telstar, Holland). Midfielders: Gibson Grover (Stuttgart Reserves, Germany), John Thorrington (Manchester United, England), Stephane Hilty (Servette Reserves, Switzerland) Forwards: Shawn Petroski (Uerdingen, Germany), Charles Fitchett (Mainz 05, Germany), Ben Stimpson (Wolverhampton Wanderers Reserves, England), Myles Stoddard (Reno, USISL), Gus Kartes (Olympiakos, Greece), Chad James (Cleveland, USISL). What about Charles “Casey” Case of Zemun in Yugoslavia, and are Tony Soto, Scott Vermillion, and Mike Petke young enough?

Paul Kennedy: Besides Joy, Hilty and Stimpson, who I am not sure about, all the players listed by position are eligible. O’Brien just signed a pro contract, and Howard has joined the MetroStars as a Project-40 player. I don’t know about Case. Soto is mid-20s, and Vermillion and Petke are both too old. Anyone from the U.S. U-20 team that played in Malaysia last year is eligible since the two tournaments have same cutoff date: Jan. 1, 1977.

Miami, Fla.

Is Robin Fraser of the L.A. Galaxy still a part of Steve Sampson’s plans for the World Cup? I’m sure a defender of his technical skills and speed cannot be overlooked for too long. Is it the issue that he is somewhat injury-prone that may be causing some of the hesitation with the U.S. coaching staff or could they be waiting for the MLS season to monitor his performance and durability?

Duncan Irving: Fraser has long been a target for Steve Sampson, but, gosh, darn it, he just keeps getting hurt. He missed the playoff stretch for the Galaxy last year, and I have the feeling they might have done a bit better against the Burn had Fraser been there. I agree with you about his skill, speed and ability to read the game, but I think however well he performs in MLS, it will be too little, too late for France. Which is a shame, because he couldn’t do worse than some of the players out there at the moment.

Malabar, Fla.

My son has recently been selected to represent the United States U-11 premier team (15 kids nationwide in this age group) with the United Soccer Academy International in Denmark and Sweden this summer. Any suggestions on “scholarships” or “sponsorships” to help offset the high cost of this? He is very excited and at least one of us would like to accompany him (approx. $4,000 per person). Any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated.

Dan Woog: Congratulations — but the advice I’m giving might not be what you want to hear. Based on everything I’ve seen, and having taken over a dozen teams to Europe, my feeling is that if a player is old enough to travel overseas, he is old enough to do it himself. The players who get the most out of a trip like this are the ones who are on their own; they figure out the soccer and the culture for themselves. If you feel you need to accompany him, then he is probably not ready, and the money would not be worth it — send him to a high-quality camp instead. As for scholarships or sponsorships: that’s another reason not to go. If you can afford to accompany him, then it becomes pretty difficult to ask for funds — it sounds as if you’re asking for yourself, even if you’re not. If you do end up seeking funding, my advice is to go to people who don’t always get hit up for soccer stuff. Be creative: maybe ask the local cable TV or newspaper people to provide some funds, in return for interviews when he gets back; maybe talk to local storeowners who come from those countries, and offer them soccer souvenirs to hang on their walls. The key is to provide something in return for what they give you. Good luck — it’s a great opportunity. The key is to keep it your son’s opportunity.

Amherst, Mass.

1) What ever happened to Michael Mason and David Wagner on the national team? 2) How could I get information on the Northern Arizona Prospectors, a USISL Premier League Team?

Pete Bailey: 1) Mason and Wagner are struggling to get regular playing time in the German Second Division. Mason’s last four or five appearances for St. Pauli have been as a sub, while Wagner has been in and out of the Guetersloh lineup. (He did not play last weekend.) Neither has figured in Steve Sampson’s plans recently (although Wagner is on the roster for the March 14 Paraguay match), and with their less-than-spectacular performances in the Bundesliga 2, a spot on the roster for France looks unlikely. 2) For information on any USISL or A-League team, call the USISL office at (813) 963-3909.

Cleona, Pa.

What is the tactical formation called the 3-5-2, and what are the roles of the five in the midfield?

Ridge Mahoney: The numbers describe how many players are designated as (in order) defenders, midfielders, and forwards. However, this rigid designation does not mandate exactly how a team will play. Some teams use the three defenders in a line, marking zonally; many German teams, including the national team, will use two man-markers and a sweeper. Other variations are possible. Sometimes a sweeper will play well behind the man-markers; other sweepers play slightly in front of them. In midfield, usually two players are responsible for running the flanks; the remaining three can be deployed in any manner: two defensive midfielders, and an attacking (playmaking) midfielder, for example, or one defensive mid and two other midfielders supporting the forwards. Also, one of the midfielders could be assigned to mark or shadow an opponent. And, these responsibilites can change as the game situation changes. Some teams use a pair of outright strikers in the forward positions; many other teams will designate one to play a little deeper than the other, or one to stay central while the other floats to one side, or both sides. If all this ambiguity suggests to you that about the only guy you can be pretty sure will stay mostly in one place is the goalkeeper, you’re right. But the numerical designation of a system can be as rigid, or as flexible, as the coach and/or players wish.