After much speculation and several unofficial announcements, U.S. soccer confirmed Wednesday that the U.S. Women's National Team is making its inaugural visit to Utah this summer.
As part of 2003 World Cup preparation, the Americans will host South Korea on June 14 at Rice-Eccles Stadium at 7 p.m., a game that will be televised on ESPN2. The game will be preceded by a Utah Blitzz game at 4 p.m.
"The best part about going to Salt Lake is that it's a city we've never been to," said U.S. coach April Heinrichs. "Because the Olympics were there, we know we'll be playing in front of fans who appreciate Olympic-caliber athletes."
Tickets ranging in prices from $16 to $37 go on sale Friday, Feb. 14, at 10 a.m. through ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-801-325-SEAT. They can also be purchased at Graywhale CD Exchange or Fred Meyer.
The World Cup runs from Sept. 23 to Oct. 11 in China, and Heinrichs will most likely bring a full complement of players to Salt Lake City to help her gauge which players she'll be taking across the ocean.
Soccer superstars like Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy and Tiffeny Milbrett are just a few of the players expected to be in Salt Lake City.
"It's always been great to play in new places and new venues," said U.S. captain Julie Foudy, who plays professionally for San Diego of the WUSA. "We've touched a lot of lives all over this country, and it's great when young girls can come and meet you and watch you play for the first time."
The U.S. is 3-0 all-time against South Korea, with their most recent victory coming at the 1999 Nike Cup, when they won 5-0.
"They're a very good technical team," said Foudy. "They aren't as gifted as China, but it should be a very good match."
For Foudy, who is a 15-year veteran of the national team, she's excited to make one final run with the National Team this summer. She was a member of the World Cup championship teams of 1991 and 1999, and then Olympic team that won the gold medal at the '96 Olympics.
E-MAIL: jedward@desnews.com