BBC SPORT | FOOTBALL | Dunseth to lead US charge

BBC Sport Online: Olympics2000: Football

Wednesday, 9 August, 2000, 16:29 GMT 17:29 UK

Dunseth to lead US charge

American captain Brian Dunseth can't wait to lead out his side at the Sydney Olympics.

It will be a proud day for the former US under-20 star who turned his back on college for a poor salary and a long-shot chance of making the grade in the professional ranks.

At that time, there still was a great deal of discussion as to whether young players were making a big mistake by throwing the towel in at college to try and fulfil their boyhood dream of playing professional football.

"I can only speak for myself, but it was perfect,'' said Dunseth, who is now in his fourth season with the New England Revolution.

Knowing that one of your team-mates who battled with you to get to that point got injured in practice makes you thank your lucky stars
Peter Vagenas

"It was the right time. I was mentally ready to play. The opportunity to sign, to have a professional contract, and to have school paid for, I jumped at it. I wouldn't trade it for the world.''

In addition to earning a starting spot with the Revolution, he has become an important player for coach Clive Charles on the U.S. under-23 team and will be the defensive lynchpin as the US go in search of Olympic glory.

Experience

Dunseth feels that the experience many of his potential Olympic team-mates have gained from the MLS has been of immense help to the team.

"The difference in the level between the under-20s and the under-23s is the difference between day and night.

"And the difference between the 23s and MLS is the same type of spread."

"We're 100 percent better because of it.

"Every day, you learn something new. Leonel Alvarez, John Harkes, Mike Burns, Dan Calichman have been around the block. If you have any questions, you can go to them and ask them what to do in that situation.

"It's an opportunity to take people's experience and learn by watching them on the field. You're not able to do that in college. I was lucky to have the college chance to play soccer, let alone to play at the professional level," he added.

The Olympic hopefuls are keeping their fingers crossed while waiting for U.S.coach Clive Charles to name his 18-player roster.

Dunseth sympathises with international team-mate Steve Cherundolo, a 21-year-old defender from San Diego, who had the misfortune of tearing ligaments in his left knee only two weeks after he had helped the U.S. qualify for the Summer Games.

Operated

The former University of Portland player, who was Charles' first choice at right back, had the knee operated on by Bert Mandelbaum, the U.S. team physician, in Santa Monica on 19 May and will need four to six months of rehabilitation.

Dunseth, the U.S. Olympic team captain from Upland, admitted he was deeply upset at Cherundolo's misfortune.

"It's disgusting. I've been trying to get hold of him and I haven't been able to. I was shocked. You get a giant pit in your stomach when you hear something like that. You don't know what to say.

Wide

"Thank God we've got Chad McCarty who can play back there on the right. We can push McCarty out wide or we can push Johnny O'Brien back there if we need to. He's been playing there for Ajax.

"It's heartbreaking, especially when you've got someone who has that much desire and that much work ethic and is such a good person and a player. It's a disgusting feeling. It makes you knock on wood that no one else gets injured."

Galaxy midfielder Peter Vagenas agreed with Dunseth.

"Just the fact that he's not going to be there with us is probably the worst part.

"I mean, to hell with Sydney and all that other stuff. Knowing that one of your team-mates who battled with you to get to that point got injured in practice makes you thank your lucky stars.

"It couldn't have happened to a greater guy. That guy was out there every game. There's no replacing him, not just talent-wise, but as a person. It just makes you think twice about what you've got. Sometimes you're not too happy because you're not playing, but at least you're walking." Internet links: Fifa, who organise the Olympic football |
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