U.S. Finalizes Its Squad for the World Cup

The U.S. Soccer Federation today named a young squad, averaging 23 years old, for the country’s first appearance in the World Cup finals in 40 years.

Coach Bob Gansler sprang no surprises in naming his squad of 22 players, which will be led by sweeper Mike Windischmann, who holds the U.S. record with 48 full international appearances even though he is only 24 years old.

As expected, Gansler left out midfielder Hugo Perez, one of the most inspirational U.S. players, who is still recovering from a broken leg suffered while playing for his club team in the French Second Division.

Perez, who has also suffered a troublesome groin injury this season, had said he would be fit in time, but Gansler decided that he was too short of match experience for next month’s World Cup games.

Gansler instead opted for inexperienced midfielder Neil Covone to fill the final spot on the team.

The United States is given little chance of advancing to the second round in a group that also features the host country, Italy, and Austria and Czechoslovakia.