CHICAGO (July 6, 2007) – U.S. Futsal Head Coach Keith Tozer has selected a roster of 12 players to compete in the 2007 Pan American Games beginning July 18 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Futsal was chosen by the Pan American Games hosts, Brazil, as a special exhibition sport and is part of the games for the first time.
Eight teams will compete in two groups, with the U.S. drawn with Argentina, Ecuador and Costa Rica. The U.S. will play its group matches on consecutive days, beginning July 23. Placement matches will then be played on July 27 and 28, with all eight teams playing five games each.
The 12-player roster includes five players – Brett Phillips, Pat Morris, Jamar Beasley, John Ball and Lee Tschantret – who were part of the U.S. team that finished seventh at the 2004 FIFA Futsal World Cup.
All 12 players on the roster play in the Major Indoor Soccer League, with the Milwaukee Wave contributing four players. The 2006-2007 MISL-champion Philadelphia KiXX send two players, in Morris and player/coach Don D’Ambra. John Ball is playing in the United Soccer Leagues First Division this summer with the Rochester Raging Rhinos.
The U.S. has a 2-2-1 record all-time vs. Argentina, including a close-fought 2-1 loss at the 2004 FIFA Futsal World Cup. The U.S. has a 2-0-0 record vs. Costa Rica, with victories coming at the CONCACAF Futsal Tournament in 1996 and 2004. The U.S. will face Ecuador for the first time.
The U.S. has a 0-4-0 record in 2007 after international trips to face Brazil and Spain, and losing twice to each opponent. Spain is reigning World Champion, while Brazil finished in third place in 2004 and are regarded as the best team in the Americas.
The U.S. has played more matches in Brazil than in any country, including the U.S., and will play its 25th all-time match in the nation that invented the game on July 23 when the tournament opens.
U.S. Futsal Pan-American Games Team Roster by Position
GOALKEEPERS (2): Nick Vorberg (Milwaukee Wave), Brett Phillips (Milwaukee Wave)
DEFENDERS (3): Pat Morris (Philadelphia KiXX), Joe Hammes (Milwaukee Wave), Troy Dusosky (Milwaukee Wave)
MIDFIELDERS (4): Jamar Beasley (Detroit Ignition), John Ball (Rochester Raging Rhinos - USL1), Matt Stewart (Chicago Storm), Denison Cabral (Baltimore Blast)
FORWARDS (3): Don D'Ambra (Philadephia KiXX), Enrique Tovar (California Cougars), Lee Tschantret (Baltimore Blast)
U.S. Futsal Schedule – Pan-American Games Date Opponent Venue
July 23 Argentina Riocentro Pavillion 3B (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
July 24 Ecuador Riocentro Pavillion 3B (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
July 25 Costa Rica Riocentro Pavillion 3B (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
July 27 Placement Match Riocentro Pavillion 3B (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
July 28 Placement Match Riocentro Pavillion 3B (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
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