Eddie Pope Named to United States World Cup Team

Published on April 22, 2002 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release

CHANTILLY, VA (April 22, 2002) - United States Men's National Team head coach Bruce Arena named D.C. United defender Eddie Pope to the final 23-man World Cup roster while midfielder Richie Williams was named an alternate for the squad that will compete in the 32-nation tournament held in Korea/Japan from May 31-June 30. The U.S. will begin their final preparation for the 2002 FIFA World Cup with a training camp at the State Capital Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina beginning May 1. Pope will report to the U.S. camp following United's match at Columbus on Saturday, April 27. The earliest Pope could return to United's lineup is Wednesday, June 19 vs. Colorado, meaning that he will miss at least five league matches.

"Being a part of this World Cup team has been a goal of mine since returning from France in 1998," said Pope. "I am anxious to gather with the rest of the team in preparation for what I hope to be a breakthrough performance by the United States."

Pope, 28, will be making his second consecutive World Cup appearance in Korea/Japan 2002; he started two World Cup games for the U.S. in France '98. Pope has registered 48 international caps for his country and tallied five goals. He scored the lone goal for the U.S. in the team's last match, a 1-2 defeat at Ireland on April 17. Pope made his national team debut in a World Cup qualifier, a 2-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago on November 10, 1996. He served as a regular on the U.S. backline that earned its fourth consecutive World Cup berth to Korea/Japan, starting in six of the 10 final round qualifiers.

A fiery competitor, Williams has earned 20 caps for the senior U.S. side. The 31-year-old defensive midfielder appeared in four matches for the U.S. in 2001, starting two. Williams broke into the national team squad, starting and playing 45 minutes in his debut against Australia on November 6, 1998.

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