Meola to Earn Historic 100th Cap in Cary

Tony Meola will get one historic last runout for the National Team when the USA takes on Jamaica here in Cary Tuesday night. With the World Cup goalkeeper roster slots firmly in the hands of Keller, Hahnemann, and Howard, US National Team coach Bruce Arena took the opportunity to tip his hat to the 1990 and 1994 World Cup starter Tony Meola who, with an appearance Tuesday, will record his 100th international cap. Meola started every minute of Italia '90 and USA '94 for the Nats, including the historic 2-1 win against Colombia in the Rose Bowl that helped propel the US to the second round in 1994. Meola is a 5-time MLS All-Star and recorded a clean sheet as the USA shutout England 2-0 in US Cup '93. US Soccer is planning a special ceremony at the game to honor Meola as he becomes the 9th American to reach the 100 international appearances plateau. Joining Meola on the roster are former Tarheels Eddie Pope and Kerry Zavagnin along with former NCSU standout Pablo Mastroeni. Also getting a call-up is John O'Brien who seems to be getting healthy at just the right time. The full roster includes:

• Goalkeepers (2) – Tony Meola (New York Red Bulls), Matt Reis (New England Revolution)
• Defenders (5) – Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nick Garcia (Kansas City Wizards), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Pope (Real Salt Lake)
• Midfielders (7) – Clint Dempsey (New England Revolution), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Pat Noonan (New England Revolution), John O’Brien (out of contract), Ben Olsen (D.C. United), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution), Kerry Zavagnin (Kansas City Wizards)
• Forwards (4) – Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution), Josh Wolff (Kansas City Wizards)

-- Jarrett @ 4/04/2006 06:55:00 PM