The World Cup
With Jeff Agoos
U.S. Defender
Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2001; 1 p.m. EDT

At 10 a.m. Saturday, the U.S. Soccer Team will play a highly anticipated World Cup qualifying match against Honduras at RFK Stadium. The match, which has been sold out for weeks, is an important step toward guaranteeing the Americans a spot in the World Cup.

Defender Jeff Agoos will be online to discuss the team, the World Cup qualifying match and soccer in general.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

washingtonpost.com: Jeff is finishing up a meeting and will be online shortly.

Fairfax, Va.: Are you and your fellow backs feeling extra pressure for the Honduras match since the team is so depleted on offense?

Jeff Agoos: No, I don't think so. I think that there is pressure on this game but I think it is a good type pressure. I feel confident in the upcoming game.

Brandywine, Md.: Do you think the US team has what it takes to be a threatening team in the World Cup?

Jeff Agoos: Certainly. I think we have matured and developed over the past four years. The team as only gotten better and better.

Marietta, Ga.: Do you know if President Bush is planning to meet with the team prior to, during, or after the Game this weekend?
Would be a great time to see 55,000 flag waving Americans!

Jeff Agoos: I am not even sure if President Bush knows that there is United States soccer team playing in his back yard. So no, I don't think that that has been planned.

Washington, D.C.: Jeff,
The defense looks pretty solid going into the Honduras game. Can you comment on potential offensive problems with the recent injuries to National players?

Jeff Agoos: Well, we have lost a number of offensive players -- Clint Mathis, Josh Wolff and now Brian McBride just to name a few. While we have lost some good players I feel that the players that will step in will do a good job and I think we will pose a good scoring threat.

New York: If you clinch a berth in the World Cup finals in the next two games, is there a risk that the coach will experiment and shuffle the lineup too much over the final games?

Jeff Agoos: I don't know to be honest, but if I had to guess I think that he would keep a good nucleus of the team together. But I think you will see some new players whether on the field or on the bench.

Cyber Soccer Fan: Do you follow any of the soccer discussion boards to keep up on fan opinions or to share inside information? Which is your favorite soccer web site?

Jeff Agoos: Occasionally I will go on and see what people think. The fans are the most important part of the sport. There are several I look at -- ESPN, Sportserver.com, MLSnet.com, etc.

Arlington, Va.: Hey Jeff,

I remember a couple years back when DC United won the CONCACEF (or whatever) cup and the Mexican coach singled you out as as player who could star in the Mexican league. Have you had any serious offers from any foreign leagues?

Jeff Agoos: Not at the moment. It is a very difficult thing for an American to play in another country, but especially an American defender because most leagues have a quota system, allowing only a certain number of foreigners to play. Typically those limited number of spots go to forwards and midfielders and an odd goalkeeper every now and then.

McLean, Va.: Jeff,

I am a 41-year old working mom of three boys and three girls aged 12-20, all of whom play soccer. We've had D.C. United season tickets since the inaugural season and now have Freedom season tickets, too; I'm pretty sure the car could drive to RFK all by itself.

You are far and away my favorite MLS player, not only because of your talented play, but because you display all the qualities I think kids should see in a high-visibility, successful athlete. You are a good sport, calm under pressure, gritty, and team-minded--all crucial elements of success in life. Can you share any of your experiences or thoughts on how you came to develop these qualities so I can pass them on to my kids?

We miss you terribly here in D.C., Jeff. You can be to soccer what Darrell Green is to football and the Redskins -- may you play long and well and give back to the kids who admire you. All the best.

Jeff Agoos: Thank you, I am flattered by your comments.

Secondly, I think that my work ethic and style of play comes from several factors. A few coaches early on and obviously my parents were big factors. And I know that when you are in the public eye you do have a responsibility to be a good role model and emulate those things a good role model should portray.

Herndon, Va.: You'll be facing Honduras and Costa Rica within four days of each other. Could you compare/contrast the two teams and your approach toward defending against them?

Jeff Agoos: They are certainly two very distinct teams. The focus is solely on the Honduras game at the moment and I would need to think of them first before I even look to Costa Rica. However, both are very talented teams and some of the top in this region.

Washington, D.C.: Dear Goose,
Keeping my fingers crossed that you get to play for the US in the 2002 World Cup -- you deserve it! Also hope you play in MLS until you're 40, but I'm curious about your plans for the future. Staying with soccer as a coach? Manager? Broadcaster?

Jeff Agoos: That is a good question. I still love the game and enjoy playing the game. I have been very fortunate to have kept healthy and have so many memories of this game. I don't know what the future holds but I hope it has to do with soccer or something in the field of sports.

Annandale, Va.: Who's the player from Honduras who you guys are watching out for most?

Jeff Agoos: I think there is more than one. Obviously Suazo, Guevera and Leon are three very important players on their team, but they have many talented individuals that can be dangerous.

Washington, D.C.: No question, just one of the hordes, I'm sure, telling you how much we miss you here in D.C. RFK just isn't the same without you. I'm looking forward to seeing you play on Saturday. GO USA.

Jeff Agoos: Thank you. I am looking forward to being back home again. I certainly miss the people and the fans here in D.C.

Bethesda, Md.: Jeff,

I look forward to seeing you play at RFK. As you know, your rock-solid defending has been sorely missed this season. Honduras shocked everyone at Copa America. What is the US tam doing differently to prepare for them now as compared to the earlier qualifying round?

Jeff Agoos: I think we know a little bit more about them after seeing them play in so many world cup qualifiers as well as the Copa America. We understand that this is a very dangerous team and that we can not just step out on the field and beat them. It will be a very tough game for us.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: Are you upset that D.C. United traded you to San Jose? Do you think the Earthquakes can win the MLS title?

Jeff Agoos: I was obviously disappointed that I was traded, but that is sports. My biggest disappointed came not from being traded but how D.C. United handled it, and that is why I was so upset in the off season.

Yes, I believe San Jose can win the MLS Cup.

Covington, La.: The national team and most MLS teams seem to play a zone defense without a sweeper. Can you explain how a zonal back four works and what its advantages are?

Jeff Agoos: To make a long story short a zonal defense allows you to understand and identify your roles better in both offense and defense.

Gaithersburg, Md.: This is NO revelation, it seems that the US team forwards need some help shooting on goal from the midfield players. As an avid US soccer fan, it is frustrating to see the US team move the ball around the field beautifully in an attempt of setting up our forwards, but seldom getting a shot on goal. Good luck Saturday and unleash that left footed cannon on the Honduran goal.

Jeff Agoos: I will try and score as many goals as I can, but as a defender it is not as easy. I agree we create a number of chances but don't convert on them as much as we should. I believe that as we progress as a country you will see this turn around.

New York, N.Y.: Are you surprised that you have become such a national team mainstay (considering that you went from Steve Sampson's doghouse to being one of the key performers for the team)?

Jeff Agoos: No, personally I am not surprised. I always felt that I could contribute. I believe that I have been playing well, but maybe now it is more exposed than it was before.

Fairfax, Va.: I thought Suazo will not be playing in the match on Saturday due to injury.

Jeff Agoos: They have said that publicly but you never know. It is 50/50.

New York, N.Y.: Jeff, I hear the guys from Metallica are huge soccer fans and that you've met them. Do you still keep in touch with them? Any plans to get them to game?

Jeff Agoos: A few of them came to some D.C. United games -- Lars and James. I haven't spoken to them or seen a concert in a bit so I've lost contact with them.

Washington, D.C.: What are your thoughts on Project 40 Players?

Jeff Agoos: I think it is important for the League that we develop our youth and put them in professional settings early on, However Project 40 is not for every young kid who want s to play soccer. It varies for every individual.

Chicago: Let's talk about soccer in countries where it's good and it actually matters, Colombia and Uruguay are neck and neck for the fifth spot from South America, who's going to make it?

Jeff Agoos: Tough question. At this point both teams are very good teams, but with the recent win in Copa America I would say Columbia has it by a nose.

Montclair, Va.: From my understanding DC United has the largest routine crowds attending their games. Just under 19,000 - I believe.

For this Saturday's double header - The National Team has sold out RFK. Not to mention the fact that the largest crowd RFK has ever seen was for a World Cup game.

Why do you think the numbers jump so dramatically between an MLS game and a world cup qualifying game?

Jeff Agoos: I think any time the public ahs the chance to see the best of the best, people will come to watch it. I don't see this as any different from a big competition like the World Series or Superbowl. People like to see the best teams against the best teams.

Alexandria, Va.: Jeff-I always enjoyed watching you play when you were with DC United, and was impressed how you were able to compensate for your lack of speed with your toughness and ability to read the game. Unfortunately, so many defenders out there in the MLS try simply to rely on their speed, and end up reacting instead of anticipating play. What are your thoughts on this?

Jeff Agoos: First, I don't consider myself slow. I think that there are faster players out there, but I think I can hold my own. Secondly a defender has to rely on his ability to read situations rather than speed. That's why I have always viewed defenders as the most intelligent players on the field.

Arlington, Va.: Who is the best player in the MLS this season? Aside from yourself, of course!

What do you think of the rumors that Paul Gascoigne is considering a move to the MLS?

Jeff Agoos: Gascoigne has always said that there was a chance to play in the MLS, but I find that highly unlikely. I think it was used for leverage.

Some of the better players in the league this year… Serna and Preki have both had good seasons, and there are many others that can be considered for that award.

Alexandria, Va.: I was watching an MLS match the other day, and was absolutely shocked beyond belief when the linesman called for offside before a pass had been made (no pass was made), and the man dribbling the ball was ahead of all of his teammates.

Are the standards improving at all, or are the refs still calling every shoulder challenge, and rewarding dives with free kicks?

Jeff Agoos: Well, there has certainly been a lot of discussion of whether the standard of the officiating is on par with the standard of play.

Some referees are better than others, obviously. I think that our league, as far as the officiating, still needs to continue to develop and make great strides toward being the best officials in the world.

Jeff Agoos:
Thanks to everyone who asked questions and stayed online. I enjoy being back in the area and hope you all come out to support us on Saturday.

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