THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, April 29, 1996 TAG: 9604290146
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
Nate Friends was a stranger on his own turf.
The former Hampton Roads Mariners returned to Virginia Beach Saturday with the U.S. Under-23 National Team. Friends said he was hesitant to face-off against his former teammates. However, he wasn't hesitant in the box, unleashing his powerful air game to head in the National Team's opening goal in its eventual 2-0 victory.
``I'm friends with a lot of guys on the team,'' Friends said, ``and when I come here as a visitor, it's weird.''
The goal helped the National Team rebound after Mariners' goaltender Mike Oehlmann saved a penalty kick shot.
The Mariners' attack strengthened late, but left a gap that allowed the final goal. Mariners coach Shawn McDonald is trying to build an attack with two of his strongest forwards, Darren Eales and Mike Guerrero, sidelined.
``It's very difficult to lose two very important frontrunners,'' McDonald said. ``You just don't have the depth and the money to go get four frontrunners. But I was happy with the way we played.''
Oehlmann led the Mariners with a solid performance in goal. He posted nine saves, including the penalty kick, in a performance that McDonald said solidified Oehlmann's starting slot.
Oehlmann was in Los Angeles earlier this season when the National Team defeated the Galaxy team of Major League Soccer.
Myernick and his team will face a slate of other USISL and MLS opponents before the final Olympic roster is set on June 19.
``I think given the fact that there's so many USISL teams and they're spread around the country, I think it's a good way to develop our team and it's good for soccer in this country,'' he said.
For Friends, it is just another step on his road to Atlanta.
``Every practice, every game (until the Olympics) is a tryout,'' Friends said. ``You have to approach it as such, but you can't get too nervous about it. It's pretty adventurous.'' by CNB