THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, May 18, 1996 TAG: 9605180457
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 92 lines
The Hampton Roads Mariners were struggling offensively. Coach Shawn McDonald reworked his lineup, alternated starters and signed new players, but nothing was working. Then Jesse Marsch came to town.
Marsch debuted for the Mariners at First Colonial two weeks ago against the Long Island Rough Riders. In the first 15 minutes of play, he assisted Paul Cann's opening goal, then added two of his own. After three scoreless games, the Mariners were suddenly up 3-0 against the defending champions of the United Systems of Independent Soccer League Pro League. The Mariners easily won 5-1.
What did the instant success mean to Marsch? Absolutely nothing. Marsch downplayed his role, pointing out that his U.S. U-23 National Team play and Major League Soccer experience have prepared him to mesh with any team, clash with any foe.
``I'm just trying to get in the best game situations that I can,'' Marsch said. ``If they need me in D.C., I'm happy to play there. I'm happy to play for the Mariners.''
Marsch is one of the first developmental players to travel between an MLS team and its affiliate. McDonald affiliated the Mariners with D.C. United in the preseason, allowing the two to swap players. Marsch came to Hampton Roads as a U-23 National Team member, beating the Mariners 2-0 two weeks ago. McDonald and D.C. United/U.S. Olympic team coach Bruce Arena have since solidified the deal that allows Marsch to train with both teams and play where he is most needed. And allows him to remain an active member of the U-23 National Team.
``It's a bit of a transition, but it's all soccer,'' Marsch said of his three-team swap. ``I feel like I fit in pretty well with all three. As long as I keep playing, I'll stay sharp and can help on any team. You could get caught up in the team-chemistry thing, but I think that's mostly an excuse. So long as you play a lot, you can adjust quickly.''
Adjusting has been Marsch's game since he joined the Olympic development program at the age of 12. At that time, he wasn't dreaming of Olympic medals or World Cup appearances. He was just fitting in with his Wisconsin friends.
``Everyone played youth soccer,'' Marsch said. ``I don't know anyone who didn't play.''
He grew into America's elite core of soccer players, regularly playing against or with the country's top talent. He was a member of the U-18 team when colleges across the country began recruiting Marsch, trying to lure the power forward to a potential championship team. Focusing on his future, one he envisioned without soccer, Marsch opted to go to Princeton.
``It was clear that if I got into Princeton, I was going there,'' he said. ``I couldn't pass up on an opportunity like that. Even five years ago, I thought I wouldn't still be playing soccer now.''
The growth of soccer in America and the creation of the Major League Soccer and connecting development structure caught Marsch's eye.
``It just worked out that it all came about,'' he said. ``Professional soccer has a place in America. It's exciting. It's going to be exciting to see how it progresses.''
As a developmental player, Marsch has the luxury of playing the top players but maintaining his Olympic eligibility. He has been on the cutting edge of the movement toward soccer in America and has been on the field for the home openers of four MLS teams this year.
``It was electrifying,'' Marsch said. ``The crowds were into it. You look around and think, `This is great. I can't believe this is happening in America.' ''
Marsch is still in the final pool for the 1996 U.S. team. The final roster will be announced June 19. Does Marsch feel the pressure?
``I try not to get caught up in making teams,'' he said. ``I just want to get in real games. If it works out, great. If not, that's why I went to Princeton.''
Marsch graduates in less than a week with a degree in history. He plans to try his hand at teaching, work in a financial institution or perhaps make a foray into politics.
``I just want to finish things up here,'' he said from Princeton. ``I want to do everything right and not cut any corners that will come back to haunt me.''
So far, nothing has been left undone that could haunt Marsch. Instead, he has spent his days haunting defenders and goalies on fields around the world. The Mariners were rained out last weekend, so Marsch has been idle. He may miss tonight's game at First Colonial against Carolina because he has strep throat. If not, he may repeat his scoring feat. But that's not what's on his mind entering the game.
``I really want to be a good soccer player and play on the Olympic and World Cup level, but it's hard to say what will happen,'' he said. ``I'm just going to do the best I can and do what I can while I can.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
HUY NGUYEN/The Virginian-Pilot
In his first game for the Mariners, Jesse Marsch assisted on Hampton
Roads' first goal and added two of his own in 5-1 win.
by CNB