Nike U.S. Cup 2000 Coming To Giants Stadium On Sunday, June 11 U.S.A v. Mexico, Ireland v. South Africa In Special Sunday Afternoon Doubleheader

Secaucus, NJ (Monday, February 14, 2000) - For the first time since August '95, local area fans can see the United States Men's National Team when the Nike U.S. Cup 2000 comes to Giants Stadium for a special doubleheader featuring the USA, Mexico, Ireland, and South Africa on Sunday, June 11, it was jointly announced today by general manager Nick Sakiewicz and the United States Soccer Federation. The U.S.A. will face rival Mexico (1:00 p.m.) and Ireland play South Africa (3:30 p.m.) in final round games of this round robin competition.

"I am very pleased to see the Nike U.S. Cup 2000 come to Giants Stadium for a very special afternoon of international soccer with the USA, Mexico, Ireland, and South Africa," said Sakiewicz. "The Nike U.S. Cup is one of the premier international competitions staged in the United States, and we are glad to be a part of it by hosting these two important games at GiantsStadium."

The last time local fans witnessed the United States Men's National Team was in August '95 when a late Roy Lassiter goal beat Portuguese giants Benfica, 2-1, in the consolation game of the Parmalat Cup at Giants Stadium.

The U.S. will be looking to reclaim the Nike U.S. Cup trophy, which has been won by Mexico in each of the last three years. The U.S. holds a 7-7-3 record in the Cup with impressive wins over England, Portugal, and Mexico dating back to 1992 when the competition began. The U.S. won the competition in 1992 and 1995. The Nike U.S. Cup is staged annually by the Federation as U.S. Soccer's premier men's event

"The U.S. Cup is our last major international competition prior to World Cup qualifying," said U.S. head coach Bruce Arena, "so it is obviously important in our preparation for our ultimate goal of qualifying for the next World Cup. This is an excellent field. Ireland had some success in Euro qualifying and is always a tough opponent and our first match-up against South Africa will be a good test against one of Africa's strongest teams. And we are always up for games against Mexico."


Courtesy MetroStars

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