US eves to play two soccer matches in China

It will be the first encounter of the two teams since the Sydney Olympics where China drew with the US 1-1. China was eventually eliminated in a 1-2 loss to Norway which upset the US for the Olympic title.

China is likely to field a young team mostly composed of players under the age of 24.

“The most important task is to give the young players more exposure to international competitions and make them mature as fast as possible,” the Chinese head coach Ma Yuan’an was quoted as saying in today’s edition of `Sports Daily’ newspaper.

He said though the newly-constructed team is not strong as ever, players are all looking forward to the matches which will be held in January 11 and 14.

“It is the first competition of the new national team. They are all very active in training and hope to make a good start for the new century,” Ma said.

Ma added that, comparatively speaking, those players capped for the first time are better than ever in physical stamina, speed and body build.

“"What they need is to work together for more time and need some exposure to competitions,” he said.

Meanwhile the US team’s head coach April Heinrichs has said there will be seven Olympians in the touring side.

“Tiffeny Milbrett, Christie Pearce, Kate Sobrero, Siri Mullinix, Michelle French, Lorrie Fair and Nikki Serlenga, will give the national team experience in international play,” he said.

Also on the roster of the 18-member national team are five collegiate players and six players who were high picks in the recent Women’s United Soccer Association player draft.

Save for Milbrett all senior players in the US team which is departing for China on January 7, are under the age of 24.