THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 27, 1996 TAG: 9604270506
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
The Hampton Roads Mariners will receive more than stiff competition from the U.S. U-23 National Team.
They are getting a potential Olympic player.
Midfielder Jesse Marsch has been tentatively designated as a developmental player by D.C. United, Hampton Roads' major-league affiliate. Although nothing is official, Marsch probably will play for the Olympic team against Hampton Roads at 7:30 tonight at First Colonial, then stay in Hampton Roads for the season.
``He'll be part-time here and training part-time there,'' Mariners coach/general manager Shawn McDonald said.
Marsch can play for both United and the Mariners throughout the season.
CONFUSING TITLES: Some fans have been confused by the dual name of the U-23 National Team and the 1996 U.S. Olympic team. The question deals more with legal issues than player talent.
The Olympic committee owns the name ``Olympic'' and will not allow it to be used in connection with any team until the official roster is approved June 19. After that, each country's nationally-selected team can be called the Olympic team.
LOCAL FLAIR: For many of the U-23 National Team players, it's almost like returning to familiar ground; five attended state universities and a sixth went to the University of North Carolina. Former University of Virginia standouts Mike Fisher, Nate Friends, Scott Vermillion and Billy Walsh join former George Mason University star Rich Kotschau. Friends last year played for the Mariners.
AWOL COACH: Noticeably absent on the sidelines will be Olympic coach Bruce Arena, who is also the head coach of the Washington D.C. United Major League Soccer team. United has a game this weekend. Assistant coach Glenn Myernick will coach the U-23 team tonight.
Myernick was named the Olympic squad's assistant in January. He formerly served as head coach of the U-18 development team and U.S. Soccer coaching coordinator for Region IV. He captained the 1976 U.S. Olympic team.
TOUGH COMPETITION: McDonald is predicting the Olympic squad will be the toughest team the Mariners face.
Stocked with major-league caliber talent, the squad is 7-7-2 in competition. Five national team members were drafted by the MLS. Fisher won the 1995 Hermann Trophy, awarded to the nation's best college player. Friends has professional experience. Six still play in college, including Fisher and UNC's Suarez.
``Once you get to this level, you're playing against stronger, tougher international competitors,'' McDonald said. ``The 22-year-olds from Germany and Mexico grew up faster in soccer than players in America do. They are seasoned players because of their system. We're a little sheltered from that.''
Myernick said his players are prepared for the Mariners. And are ready to avenge last year's loss to the Mariners.
``A lot of these guys were here last year and are looking for a little revenge,'' he said. ``It's only natural.''
ELIGIBILITY UPDATE: Hampton Roads forward Mike Guerrero has been cleared by U.S. Soccer to rejoin the Mariners.
Guerrero had clearance papers from his former German team and played in the Mariners' opening game. After that, the U.S. Soccer Federation requested McDonald not play Guerrero again until his paperwork cleared all necessary international governing bodies.
Guerrero aggravated a hip flexor injury this week and is tentative for tonight.
Forward Darren Eales received approval to play for the Mariners on April 19. He is on loan from the American Professional Soccer League for one month. Eales played against Wilmington on April 19, reinjuring his hamstring. He could be sidelined three to four weeks. by CNB