U-23 MNT
McCarty to Replace Injured Sturgis on Men's Olympic Team
PALO ALTO, Calif. (July 23, 2008) – Midfielder Dax McCarty has been added to the U.S. Men’s Olympic Team after defender Nathan Sturgis has been ruled out of the Olympic Games with an injured hamstring.
McCarty, who plays with FC Dallas of Major League Soccer, will join the team in Palo Alto, Calif. on Thursday morning in advance of their departure to Hong Kong for the ING Cup on Friday afternoon.
McCarty was a key part of the squad’s successful run through Olympic Qualifying in March, playing in four games, starting three and racking up 270 minutes. He played the full 90 in the team’s all-important semifinal win against Canada and was one of four American’s named to the tournament’s Best XI. He also traveled with the team to China for a pair of friendlies against the Olympic hosts, starting both of those games.
Sturgis re-aggravated his right hamstring, an injury suffered several weeks ago while playing for Real Salt Lake. Kansas City Wizards defender Michael Harrington will be added to the alternate list.
The U.S. has been drawn into a difficult Group B at the Olympic Games and will open against Japan on August 7 before facing the Netherlands on August 10, with both games taking place at the Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Tianjin. The team will then travel to Worker’s Stadium in Beijing to conclude group play against 1996 gold medalist and 2005 Under-20 World Cup champion Nigeria on August 13.
"I've always thought that the Olympics were one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and like many kids, I dreamt of one day playing in such a tournament," said McCarty. "It's obviously not the ideal way to be called up – you never wish injury upon anyone. But it is still an honor."
"The initial shock of learning that I will be an Olympian was unbelievable," McCarty said. "It's an honor, and I was speechless when I found out. I just want to help the team out anyway possible and hopefully help us win a medal."
U.S. Men's Olympic Team
Goalkeeper (2): Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders (4): Patrick Ianni (Houston Dynamo), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
Midfielders (8): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Danny Szetela (Brescia Calcio), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas).
Forwards (4): Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Brian McBride (out of contract), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
Head Coach: Peter Nowak
A Central Florida United Under-18 Boy’s All-Star team coached by Mark Keymont recently traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark for the prestigious Tivoli Cup and came away as champions. They defeated Hillerød Fodbold in Penalty Kicks 5 - 4 after the title game went scoreless during regualtion and two overtime periods. The hero of the day was goalkeeper Jhohan Obando (Tourney MVP) who not only made a spectacular save to keep the team alive in the fifth round of PK’s, but then stepped to the mark and scored the game winner. During earlier play the team tied Starøgârd 0 - 0 in their first match, defeated Hillerød 4 - 1 in the second, received a 3 - 0 forfeit win and then defeated ÂS IL 4 - 1 in the semi-finals to make it into the tournament championship. Congratulations!!!
