World Cup Squad Convenes in Carolina
by FOXSports.com
Bruce Arena's men spent just under an hour at the newly christened SAS Park, home of the WUSA's Carolina Courage.
In temperatures just above 80 degrees, the players were paced through a taxing fitness evaluation. Frankie Hejduk (Bayer Leverkusen - Germany) led the pack in the timed run, passing the mile mark at 5:12 on the field course.
The balls came out of the bag for the final 20 minutes for a small-sided match. Carlos Llamosa (New England Revolution), Joe-Max Moore (Everton - England) and Clint Mathis (MetroStars) are nursing minor injuries and spent the afternoon in the gym.
After conducting full physical exams this evening, the team will hold double sessions for the remainder of the week.
To the delight of U.S. head coach Bruce Arena, 21 players have arrived in Raleigh to participate in the 10-day camp, the biggest boost coming with the arrival of team captain Claudio Reyna.
Reyna was allowed to enter camp on time, but will return for his side's relegation battle on the final matchday of the English Premier League on May 11. Sunderland need one point at home to Derby to guarantee a place in England's top flight next year.
Greg Vanney, named as an alternate for the World Cup, has also joined camp. He will return to France next week to help his club, Bastia, battle for the French Cup at the Stade de France in Paris on May 12.
Only three players are counted among the missing. John O'Brien remained with Ajax to challenge for the domestic double, as Ajax currently sit in first place of the Dutch Honor Division with one match remaining and the Dutch Cup final scheduled for May 12 against FC Utrecht.
David Regis stayed with FC Metz as they battle to avoid relegation with one match remaining, a win against last-place Lorient guaranteeing a place in Le Championnat next year.
Surprisingly, Eddie Lewis has been held back at Fulham and his arrival date is unknown.
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