Ben Olsen scored the game-winning goal in the 38th minute and his three D.C. United teammates all saw action as the U.S. men's national team handily beat Guatemala 4-0 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas Sunday as they continue to roll along during preparations for the FIFA World Cup this summer.
Real Salt Lake midfielder Chris Klein served in a cross from the right sideline to Olsen well outside the Guatemala goal box. The D.C. United midfielder took a settling touch with his left foot before unleashing a right-footed blast into the upper left corner past the outstretched hands of the 'keeper. The strike was Olsen's fifth international goal and his first since Nov. 17, 2002, against El Salvador.
"The first goal by Ben Olsen was a terrific individual effort as well as a big goal psychologically in the game," said U.S. manager Bruce Arena.
Bobby Boswell earned his first cap in the match when he entered the game in the 76th minute. Brian Carroll and Santino Quaranta also entered the match from the substitute's bench in the second half.
The four players returned to Washington following the game and will join the rest of their club teammates for training on Friday in the nation's capital.
The U.S. will venture to Germany for their next two matches. The U.S. will face Poland on Wednesday, March 1, at Fritz-Walter-Stadion in Kaiserslautern, site of the USA's highly anticipated FIFA World Cup match against Italy on June 17. Kickoff for the match is set for 2 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and delayed on Telemundo.
The U.S. will return three weeks later to face Germany on Wednesday, March 22, at Westfalenstadion in Dortmund. Kickoff for the match is set for 2:25 p.m. ET and will be televised live on ESPN2 and delayed on Telemundo. Fans can also follow both matches in Germany live on ussoccer.com's MatchTracker.
Trialist updates
Joey Worthen's trial with United ended Saturday without the midfielder being offered a contract. The former Richmond Kicker left for Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday afternoon and hopes to catch on with Real Salt Lake, with whom he'll begin a trial this week.
Trialists Pablo Gomez and Allan Handy continue to train with the Black-and-Red.
Off day
Following 11 days of intense training, United head coach Peter Nowak offered his side a much needed day off on Sunday. While some players took the opportunity to go to the beach, the mall or the movies, most conceded that rest was most important and stayed in to conserve their energy.
United was back on the training field twice on Monday in preparation for tomorrow's exhibition with the Kansas City Wizards. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. ET at the IMG Academies.
