Venezuela subs for Japan vs. U.S.
seattlepi.nwsource.com Saturday, March 22, 2003 By ANGELO BRUSCAS SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
The U.S. men's national team will play Venezuela next Saturday at Seahawks Stadium in the first international soccer event at the facility, after Japan's national team pulled out yesterday because of tensions brought on by the war in Iraq.
Once the Japanese Football Association decided to cancel its two-match U.S. tour, U.S. Soccer officials scrambled to find a replacement, especially since sod already had been installed in the stadium over the synthetic FieldTurf, and tickets had been sold for the 1 p.m. match.
"We are certainly disappointed by the decision of the Japanese Football Association," said U.S. Soccer president S. Robert Contiguglia in a statement from Chicago. "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."
While not as high-profile as Japan, the Venezuelan national team won five matches in 2002 World Cup qualifying. Venezuela has played the U.S. only once, a 3-3 draw in 1993.
U.S. team coach Bruce Arena has called up 10 players from the 2002 World Cup team and will begin training camp Monday in Portland.
"We're excited Venezuela has accepted the invitation to play us," Arena said. "Over the past two or three years, the Venezuelan national team has made great strides. I think they are perhaps the most improved team in South America. We are certainly looking forward to the challenge."
TICKET UPDATE
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FYI: Tickets for the U.S.-Japan match will be honored, but those who want a refund with the switch in opponents must do so by 5 p.m. Friday.
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REFUND: Refunds must be obtained at the place of purchase; tickets purchased by phone or over the Internet must be returned by calling Ticketmaster (Seattle 206-628-0888; Tacoma 253-627-8497) or logging on to ticketmaster.com.
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PRICE: Tickets ranging from $20 to $70 are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets throughout Washington, Oregon and British Columbia; at the Seahawks Stadium ticket office; by phone (Seattle 206-628-0888; Tacoma 253-627-8497); and online at ussoccer.com. Groups of 20 or more can order through U.S. Soccer at 312-528-1290.
P-I reporter Angelo Bruscas can be reached at 206-448-8010 or angelobruscas@seattlepi.com