RAPIDS DEFENDER JOEY DIGIAMARINO LEADS U.S. UNDER-23 NATIONAL TEAM TO VICTORY IN ENGLAND

DENVER (Monday, August 3, 1998) - Colorado Rapids defender Joey DiGiamarino scored a goal in the 25th minute to lead the U.S. Men's Under-23 National Team to a 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers reserves Saturday in Manchester, England.

The win was the first game in two-week tour of England that has the team training in Manchester, and playing matches against the second squads of English clubs.

DiGiamarino joined the Under-23 team in England immediately following the Rapids' win last Wednesday over the New England Revolution. DiGiamarino will miss the Rapids' next two games: Wednesday at home against Los Angeles and Saturday at Kansas City.

Rapids coach Glenn "Mooch" Myernick said that while the Rapids will miss the young defender, it is a great opportunity for DiGiamarino to gain valuable international experience.

"To be picked to represent the country at that level establishes Joey as what we already knew: that he is one of the best young players in the country. To play against competition like this can only help his game, but he is an intricate part of our team's current success, so we look forward to having him back as soon as he is finshed," said Myernick.

The U.S. Team will next face the reserve teams of two of England's most powerful clubs when they face Liverpool on Wednesday, and then Manchester United on Saturday. The team will then close out the tour with a match against the first-team of lower-division club Hyde United on August 12.

DiGiamarino is expected to rejoin the Rapids in time for the Rapids' home game against the Dallas Burn on Saturday, August 15.

Click Here to Return to COLORADO RAPIDS News Releases Home Page

Click Here to Return to COLORADO RAPIDS HOME PAGE