The U.S. national team earned a much-needed point in its 1-1 draw with Italy on Saturday, June 17. Italy scored first, but the U.S. tied the game on an own goal by Italy. Three red cards were issued in the match, with two going to U.S. players. Despite being forced to play nine on 10 for much of the second half, the U.S. was able to control the game and escape with the tie and a point. Former D.C. United stars midfielder Bobby Convey and defender Eddie Pope played important roles in the contest for the U.S. team. Pope received two yellow cards in the match and will miss the U.S.'s upcoming game against Ghana on Thursday, June 19.
In order to advance out of group play, the U.S. needs to beat Ghana and must get help from the Italy v. Czech Republic game. The best result would be a victory for Italy. The U.S. could advance with other results, but would need to make up large deficits in goal differential. With Pablo Mastroeni and Pope missing the Ghana match due to red cards, current D.C. United midfielder Ben Olsen could figure into Bruce Arena's game plan on Thursday.
Kovalenko makes appearance in Germany
While traveling in Germany for the World Cup, D.C. United staff member Nathan Fry came across an advertisement featuring former D.C. United midfielder Dema Kovalenko. The advertisement for Sparda-Bank shows Kovalenko celebrating a goal for D.C. United. Kovalenko played his final three seasons in MLS with United.
Fresh faces for United
D.C. United welcomed two new players to training on Monday morning. Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Nelsen returned to train with his former club for a couple of days while visiting the nation's capital. Nelsen was the fourth overall pick in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft and played four seasons with United. As a captain in 2004, he led D.C. United to its fourth MLS Cup Championship. Nelsen left D.C. after the 2004 season for the Blackburn Rovers of the English Premier League. In the 2005-06 season, Nelsen helped Blackburn secure the sixth place in the league and a spot in the UEFA Cup for the 2006-07 season.
Reny Rivera also joined the Black-and-Red yesterday on trial. Rivera, a right-sided midfielder/defender, most recently played with Blooming in Bolivia.
United's Hot Bachelor
D.C. United reserve forward Matt Nickell was highlighted in People magazine's 2006 "Hottest Bachelors" issue. The issue, in stores now, includes some of the hottest stars in the United States. Nickell was chosen as one of 10 self-nominated bachelors to be featured in the issue.
