U.S. Soccer Team Primed for Two Meetings

Still reeling from the last World Cup, the U.S. soccer team will take a small and somewhat uncertain step toward the next one with games tonight and Sunday in the Marlboro Cup of New York.

U.S. Coach Bob Gansler said Thursday he is concerned that his players are more focused on their meeting Sunday with Los Angeles attorney Alan Rothenberg, elected last weekend as president of the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Gansler has been besieged by questions about Rothenberg’s potential impact on the national team program from his players, many of whom are under contract through next year at the federation’s option.

Gansler, who has coached the team for 20 months, also faces an uncertain future. He said this summer that he has a commitment to coach the team through the 1994 World Cup from former USSF president Werner Fricker.

But Rothenberg, after outpolling Fricker in last Sunday’s election, said he will review all USSF personnel, including Gansler.

Chuck Cale, who assisted in Rothenberg’s campaign, said the new president has an open mind. “He’s not going back there with any pink slips,” Cale said.

In the tournament at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., the U.S. will play Flamengo of Brazil tonight.

All starters from the United States’ 0-3 World Cup effort are available except midfielder Tab Ramos and forward Peter Vermes, who will play for teams in Europe.

Players from seven World Cup teams, including forward Roger Milla of Cameroon and goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea of Argentina, will lead a team of World All-Stars against the Mexican All-Stars Tuesday at 8 p.m. at the Coliseum. According to organizers, proceeds will benefit the World Children’s Transplant Fund.