U.S., Iran could renew rivalry on the soccer field
The U.S. soccer team might go to Iran in November for the first match between the nations in a decade.
The U.S. soccer team might go to Iran in November for the first match between the nations in a decade.
USSF president Sunil Gulati said yesterday the game could be held in Tehran on Nov. 14 or 18.
"Obviously, these discussions are in the very preliminary stage due to the fact that both teams are still attempting to qualify for the World Cup," Gulati said.
The U.S. cannot clinch a World Cup berth until September at the earliest. Iran is trying to climb from fourth place in Asia Group B and earn a spot in next year's 32-nation tournament.
The United States was upset, 2-1, by Iran at the 1998 World Cup in France, then played a 1-1 tie against the Iranians in an exhibition at Pasadena, Calif., in January 2000.
If the Americans play at Tehran, they would try to set up another US-Iran match in the United States in late 2010 or 2011.
Colleges
* Nick Montana, the son of former NFL great Joe Montana, has given a verbal commitment to the University of Washington, according to Montana's high school in Westlake Village, Calif., Bill Redell.
* Authorities in Peoria, Ill., say former Illinois basketball standout and 2001 Big Ten Player of the Year Frank Williams has been arrested on drug charges.
* Ralph Willard was named associate head basketball coach on Rick Pitino's Louisville staff after resigning as Holy Cross head coach.
* Former football coach Tom Osborne is sticking around as Nebraska's athletic director. The 72-year-old Osborne had indicated he would step down when his contract expires next summer. But the university said Osborne has agreed to stay.
Sport Stops
* Mike Krzyzewski's decision on his future as U.S. national team basketball coach is expected to come next month. Krzyzewski and USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo discussed the job this week. Colangelo previously had said he expected to announce the coach in the fall.
* Cycling chief Pat McQuaid said more than 500 doping tests will be conducted before and during the Tour de France.
* Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for his record-breaking performance in the Beijing Olympics. Bolt became the first man to win gold in the 100 meters (9.69 seconds), 200 meters (19.30) and 400-meter relay (37.10) in world record times in the same Olympiad.
Philly File
* The Philadelphia Independence, of the Women's Professional Soccer League, will run a tryout minicamp at Chestnut Hill College, June 23-25. For more information, contact general manager Terry Foley at terry.foley@wpsphillyindependence.com. The team begins play in 2010.
* Gwynedd-Mercy College announced that it is dropping its golf program immediately. *