U.S. SoccerÆs Training Camp Update: Wednesday, July 12, 2000 from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The USA is preparing for its first qualifier for World Cup 2002, July 16 in Guatemala. The USA took to the field for the third time in three days this morning under typically hot and humid conditions, and was put through the most strenuous test yet by head Coach Bruce Arena. With only three days of training remaining after today before SundayÆs World Cup qualifier against Guatemala, todayÆs session proved to be the most physically demanding yet. Assistant Coach Dave Sarachan led the team through a rigorous exercise and conditioning program that consumed the first 20 minutes of training, while goalkeeper coach Milutin Soskic warmed up the goalkeepers. Following 10 minutes of cross-field passing drills, and the required water break, the team worked on crossing the ball from the flanks into traffic in front of the net. Next, the team was divided in half for a quick end-to-end game which featured the creative combined force of Tab Ramos and Claudio Reyna battling head-to head against the central defensive pairing of Eddie Pope and Robin Fraser. Before the day ended, the squad was again divided into three teams of five field players each for a series of five-minute games on a 35-yard field. In an odd twist that spoke volumes about the strength of the schoolÆs soccer program, seven of the 12 players on the field at one point were former UCLA Bruins (Greg Vanney, Brad Friedel, Cobi Jones, Ante Razov, Eddie Lewis, Frankie Hejduk, and guest goalkeeper Nick Rimando), while two others (Clint Mathis and Robin Fraser) have recently played for former UCLA coach Sigi Schmid at Los Angeles. After training the team met once again to study video of Guatemala before taking the rest of the afternoon off. Practice will resume tomorrow at Lockhart Stadium where the team will hold a closed-door scrimmage against the Miami Fusion at 4:00 p.m. Q&A with Eddie Lewis Q: YouÆve only been at Fulham for about six months, yet youÆre already on your third manager. How does that effect the way you go about your job? A: ItÆs never easy or smooth with a coaching change. I went through it a few times at San Jose, as well, so I have some experience there. The good thing for me is that each manager has been better than the last, and I thing the new one (Frenchman Jean Tigana) has been by far the best, so itÆs been a pleasant change rather than a disruptive one. Q: Have the three at Fulham (Paul Bracewell, Karl-Heinz Riedle, Jean Tigana) differed in their respective approaches to the game? A: The first two were similar, and when Roy Evans came in to help out with Reidle it was a little better, we played a little bit more. And now with Tigana weÆre a much more stylish team in the way we hold the ball and build our attack. Q: The English Leagues are generally characterized as very physical places to play, especially when compared to MLS. Have you found this to be true? A: Absolutely. ItÆs much more direct, much more physical, and the referees let a lot more go. But at the same time itÆs a faster and more exciting game over there. Believe it or not, there are still even more combinations. Even though itÆs a very direct league thereÆs still a lot of small passes going on, and for me it was a bit of an adjustment at first. I think my style of play will grow to complement the way they play over there. Q: Have you seen an increase in the numbers of teams who covet strong flank play from players like yourself, as opposed to the traditional long-ball style England was known for? A: I think in England theyÆve been learning that their style of play isnÆt going to work internationally, for one. When two English teams play against each other, itÆs very exciting to watch, but outside of that they struggle against some teams from Europe. ItÆs not going to be an overnight change, but they are putting more emphasis on possession now, for sure. Q: Has the transition from California to London been an easy one? A: I didnÆt realize how lucky I was to be in London, and particularly southwest London. ItÆs a terrific place to live. The club is doing everything possible going forward in terms of building a strong club. I thought it would be a lot harder socially with the guys, being an American, but they seem to be full of complements for America and the way we are improving our game. That had been pretty much what I expected, but in a lot of ways itÆs been even more pleasing. Q: What are your thoughts on playing your first World Cup qualifiers on the road for the USA? A: IÆve been waiting for this for a long time, and itÆs really exciting to finally be here. These are life or death games, and although weÆve played some big games in the past, itÆs never really been like this for me. ItÆs fun to have that nervous excitement building around you. Any time you have a qualifier, especially on the road, itÆs going to be hard, but IÆm excited about the challenge.