[Jeff]

Here's the roster for the US team in the upcoming friendly against Finland. The game will be the second half of a doubleheader at Spartan Stadium in San Jose on April 27. The other game is a WUSA season game between the CyberRays and Carolina Courage.

Fair, Lorrie
Reddick, Cat
Chastain, Brandi
Kluegel, Jena
MacMillan, Shannon
Wagner, Aly
Foudy, Julie
Parlow, Cindy
Lilly, Kristine
Fawcett, Joy
Milbrett, Tiffeny
Hawkins, Devvyn
Solo, Hope
Slaton, Danielle
Welsh, Christie
Bivens, Kylie
Clemens, Mandy
Beene, LaKeysia

 

[Marcus]

April 27? On the very same day HJK will play the decisive UEFA-cup semifinal against Umeå.

It would be senseless to play against the star-studded USA squad if Finland can't field any HJK's players.

 

[Jeff]

Ooh, good point!

I guess when Finland made the date they didn't think HJK would be in the semifinals.

When you see a roster for Finland, Marcus, would you be a good chap and post it here?

 

[Marcus]

The selection can be found on the Finnish FA homepage:

http://kiri.slu.fi/palloliitto/index.asp?ROotsection=25&SubID=154&DocID=1743

Amongs the Finland-based players there are Minna Mustonen from New York WUSA-team, several University Players and two players from a Swedish team Hammarby. The other Finnish player in the WUSA, Anne Mäkinen plays for Washington on the same day.

 

[Jeff]

Thanks Marcus!

It's a shame Laura Kalmari can't be there...

 

[Marcus]

Laura Kalmari and defender Sanna Valkonen will leave HJK after the team has completed their UEFA-cup campaign. Their new team is W-league's Boston Renegades (strange name, BTW).

 

[Jeff]

Actually, it's one of the better names in the W-League.

Kalmari belongs in WUSA, imho.

And I won't be able to see her July 26 when the Renegades come to Toronto, because I'll be out of town!

 

[Jeff]

USA 3, Finland 0

Goals: Abby Wambach (07), Joy Fawcett (32), Jena Kluegel (88)