In few minutes 3 Bruins are going to lead US U-20 soccer team on to the world stage in the quaterfinals (against Austria) of the FIFA World Cup. Yanks advanced to quarters after a dramatic OT win over Uruguay, in which Bruins played key roles. From our official site:
Starting in the biggest game of his young career, UCLA sophomore goalkeeper Brian Perk helped lead the U.S. Under-20 National Team to a 2-1 overtime victory over Uruguay in the Round of 16 at the 2007 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Toronto.
The 17 year-old Perk saw the pitch for the first time in the Tournament due to an injury to regular starting goalkeeper Chris Seitz. Perk, who was joined in the starting lineup by his Bruin teammates Sal Zizzo and Tony Beltran, made seven saves, including three in overtime, and was named the Sierra Mist Man of the Match by U.S. Soccer.
The U.S. had to come from behind to win the match. Uruguay broke a scoreless tie in the 73rd minute when an unmarked Edinson Cavani sent in a header in front of the net. Perk made a nice diving save to stop the shot, but he could not hang on to the ball, and the rebound went right to Luis Suarez for the goal.
Perk seems to be following in the footsteps of legendary Bruin goalie Brad Friedel who played a huge part in US team's memorable performance in 2002 Worldcup in Korea, when we advanced to the Quaterfinals.The 17 year-old Perk saw the pitch for the first time in the Tournament due to an injury to regular starting goalkeeper Chris Seitz. Perk, who was joined in the starting lineup by his Bruin teammates Sal Zizzo and Tony Beltran, made seven saves, including three in overtime, and was named the Sierra Mist Man of the Match by U.S. Soccer.
The U.S. had to come from behind to win the match. Uruguay broke a scoreless tie in the 73rd minute when an unmarked Edinson Cavani sent in a header in front of the net. Perk made a nice diving save to stop the shot, but he could not hang on to the ball, and the rebound went right to Luis Suarez for the goal.
The game against Austria is going to be televised at 2:15 p.m. on ET, ESPNU from Toronto. More info on ESPN. I don't have those channels. So if you are watching the game fill us in what is going on.
It is obvious there is a lot of passion for soccer here on Bruins Nation. UCLA is a powerhouse in soccer as our national team's roster is filled with Bruins. Perk sounds like a stud at goalie and if you want to see what kind of player Zizzo is check this out:
That was his dramatic overtime goal against Duke last November, which put UCLA in soccer version of NCAA Final-4. We have had our share of NCs in this sport and it looks like we are going to have a strong squad next year which again will be contending for a title.
So enjoy the match today and if you are watching keep us posted in the comment thread.
GO BRUINS.