Head coach Steve Sampson’s decision to take one Roy and not the other to France sparked renewed debate after the goalless tie with Macedonia May 16. Roy Lassiter’s run of scoring in MLS — five goals in as many games — since being traded to D.C. United apparently came too late, despite the fact Roy Wegerle hasn’t scored in MLS since late March and hasn’t netted for the national team since February. Wegerle, who did score in the first two U.S. matches of 1998, came on a sub in the Macedonia game, and was worse than pathetic. Can he revive his 34-year-old legs in time? Sampson cited Lassiter’s poor scoring record with the national team as the primary reason for his exclusion from the World Cup squad. Both he and Wegerle scored two goals in qualifiers last year, and Wegerle did have fewer minutes. But Lassiter scored in Costa Rica and El Salvador; Wegerle netted both of his in Canada. Which goals carried greater value? Wegerle’s main appeal is his ability to hold and pass the ball. Lassiter is more limited, but he can scorch defenses. Brian McBride had earned his callback by scoring in Austria as well as in MLS, although he blew four great opportunities against Macedonia. He is the only U.S. squad member suited to playing as a target man, so he and the rehabilitating Eric Wynalda are virtually assured of spots. By opting for Wegerle’s experience over Lassiter’s speed, Sampson has removed a potentially explosive attacking option out of his reckoning. Stacking his team with midfielders and defenders ruled out taking both Roys. Outgoing U.S. Soccer president Alan Rothenberg was chagrined at the performance against Macedonia, and made biting references to “playing an 8-1-1” and “showing nothing.” A punchless showing in France would guarantee the last act of Rothenberg’s regime will be the hiring of a new national team head coach.