U.S. Soccer Opponent, Is Venezuela, Not Japan--U.S. to play Venezuela, after Japan cancels 2-game U.S. soccer tour

Japan's soccer team canceled its two-game U.S. tour because of the war in Iraq, and the Americans instead will play Venezuela next Saturday at Seattle.

Japan was scheduled to play Uruguay on March 26 and the United States three days later.

After the Japanese Football Association decided Friday to cancel the trip, the U.S. Soccer Federation quickly signed a deal to play Venezuela.

"We are certainly disappointed by the decision of the Japanese Football Association,' USSF president Bob Contiguglia said. "We provided their federation with ample evidence of the extensive security measures in place.'

In their only meeting, the United States and Venezuela tied 3-3 in the 1993 Copa America, the championship of South America.

Tickets sold for the Japan-U.S. game remain valid, but refunds will be given through March 28.

Starting Lines March 22, 2003

The U.S. men's soccer team will face Venezuela instead of Japan on March 29 in Seattle. The Japanese pulled out of the game Friday, as well as a scheduled match against Uruguay in San Diego on March 26, because of the war in Iraq. "We are certainly disappointed by the decision of the Japanese Football Association," said U.S. Soccer president Bob Contiguglia. "We provided their federation with ample evidence of the extensive security measures in place. We continue to have every confidence that Seattle will provide a safe environment for the players and fans to enjoy an outstanding display of soccer." Coach Bruce Arena, taking advantage of a FIFA international weekend, has called in European-based players for the game. His roster includes 10 players from the World Cup team.