Two Sockers Playing In Mini Football World Cup
San Diego Sockers forward Matt Clare and goalkeeper Boris Pardo are joining the defending champion United States National Arena Soccer Team for the World Minifootball Federation (WMF) World Cup in the North African country of Tunisia. The second such tournament kicks off on Saturday.
The WMF World Cup rules differ slightly from the Major Arena Soccer League. There are no boards encircling the turf field, which allows for throw-in opportunities when the ball advances out of bounds.Instead of four 15-minute quarters, teams play two 25-minute halves.
Team USA begins group play Saturday against Spain, followed by contests against India and Senegal. The top two teams from each of six groups, plus four third-place finishers, will advance to a 16-team, single-elimination bracket.
Countries with a good chance of hoisting the Cup are the United States, Brazil, Czech Republic, Mexico, Romania, and Russia.
“Bottom line is we are defending World Cup Champions and everyone will be trying to beat us,” said head coach Bernie Lilavois. “You don’t win by where you were placed in the tournament, you have to take care of business on the field and that’s exactly what we are looking to do.”
UNITED STATES NATIONAL ARENA SOCCER TEAM
(Player, Position, MASL/PASL Team)
Stephen Basso, defender, Harrisburg Heat
Taylor Bond, forward, Cedar Rapids Rampage
Matt Clare, forward, San Diego Sockers
Casey Gasson, goalkeeper, Colorado Blizzard (PASL)
Matt Germain, midfielder, Turlock Express
Gordy Gurson, forward, Cedar Rapids Rampage
Marcus Jordan, forward, Colorado Blizzard (PASL)
Corey Maret, defender, Ontario Fury
Boris Pardo, goalkeeper, San Diego Sockers
Andy Reyes, midfielder, Ontario Fury
Joshio Sandoval, defender, Cedar Rapids Rampage
Israel Sesay, midfielder, Ontario Fury
Joey Tavernese, forward, Syracuse Silver Knights
Franck Tayou, forward, Soles de Sonora
Uzi Tayou, defender, Soles de Sonora
Head Coach — Bernie Lilavois