U.S. Roster for France ’98 (May 5 announcement)

Steve Sampson has announced the U.S. roster for World Cup ’98 on May 5. He has made 20 definite selections, with three other players in the running for the final two spots. He also named eight alternates.

The 20 Definites

Goalkeepers — Brad Friedel (Liverpool, England), Kasey Keller (Leicester City, England), Juergen Sommer (Columbus Crew). Defenders — Jeff Agoos (D.C. United), Marcelo Balboa (Colorado Rapids), Mike Burns (New England Revolution), Thomas Dooley (Columbus Crew), Alexi Lalas (MetroStars), Eddie Pope (D.C. United). Midfielders — Chad Deering (Wolfsburg, Germany), Frankie Hejduk (Tampa Bay Mutiny), Cobi Jones (Los Angeles Galaxy), Brian Maisonneuve (Columbus Crew), Joe-Max Moore (New England Revolution), Claudio Reyna (Wolfsburg, Germany), Ernie Stewart (NAC Breda, Netherlands). Forwards — Brian McBride (Columbus Crew), Preki Radosavljevic (Kansas City Wizards), Roy Wegerle (Tampa Bay Mutiny), Eric Wynalda (San Jose Clash).

Three to make two

Sampson has said that MetroStars midfielder Tab Ramos, Karlsruhe defender David Regis and D.C. United defender Carlos Llamosa are competing for the final two roster spots. Ramos’ injury recovery and the other players’ citizenship issues may will have a large say in who travels to France.

Alternates

Goalkeeper — Mark Dodd (Dallas Burn). Defenders — Gregg Berhalter (Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands), John O’Brien (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands). Midfielders — Chris Henderson (Colorado Rapids), Tony Sanneh (D.C. United), Mike Sorber (MetroStars). Forwards — Roy Lassiter (D.C. United), David Wagner (Guetersloh, Germany).