The US Soccer Federation has accepted an invitation to play in the 2007 Copa America. Many of the details have yet to be determined, but the tournament will run from June 26th to July 15th in nine cities across Venezuela.
Although the draw to determine groupings is expected to be held early next year, Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela will each head a different group.
The US has not competed in the Copa America since 1995, when midfielder John Harkes was named tournament co-MVP along with Uruguay captain Enzo Francescoli.
"We are delighted to be able to accept the offer to play in Copa America," US Soccer president Sunil Gulati told a conference call. "The tournament offers the dual advantage of quality opponents and a challenging environment that will provide long-term benefits for our team."
"In order to continue our progress at the international level, it is critical that we are able to expose our team to competition at the highest level."
Although the Copa America will begin shortly after the conclusion of the 2007 Gold Cup on June 24th, the US National Team will have at least five days between the tournaments to prepare.
Gulati tentatively indicated that the U.S. will not necessarily be sending two different teams to the events, though there will likely be some player turnover.
The actual lists of players will not be known until a new coach has been officially named, and the federation chief also gave an update on the search Monday afternoon.
Gulati, along with two other representatives of USSF, has spoken with 13 individuals about the position. Four or five individuals are in advanced stages of discussions, but no offers have been extended.
He expects the formal announcement of a new coach to occur either in the second half of November or the first week of December. In addition, Gulati reiterated that the new coach will speak Spanish at some point, if not on the first day. |
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