Soccer
U.S. Loses Gibbs to Injury; Berhalter Takes Roster Spot
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The U.S. World Cup defense took an unexpected blow when Cory Gibbs was removed from the roster because of a knee injury suffered in this week's exhibition game against Morocco and was replaced by Gregg Berhalter .
Gibbs played the entire game at left back during Tuesday night's 1-0 loss at Nashville. His right knee swelled Wednesday, and tests showed he will be out for at least for several weeks.
Gibbs became the second of eight U.S. defenders to be dropped because of a knee injury. One day after making the roster, Frankie Hejduk found out he had a torn anterior cruciate ligament and was replaced by Chris Albright .
Gibbs's latest injury appears to be eerily similar to the one he suffered in an exhibition against England last May. After playing that entire game, his left knee swelled because of a cartilage injury, and he didn't return to action until February.
"Naturally, we are very sorry for Cory," U.S. Coach Bruce Arena said in a statement. "We know he was looking forward to playing in his first World Cup. I believe strongly in him as a player. We are going to miss him."
At 6 feet 3, Gibbs was expected to provide height and muscle to the U.S. defense, which faces tough tests in first-round games against the Czech Republic, Italy and Ghana. On May 8, Charlton of England's Premier League announced it would sign Gibbs if he could get a work permit. The 26-year-old, who has 19 international appearances, finished last season with ADO Den Haag in the Netherlands on loan from Feyenoord of Rotterdam.
Berhalter, in Florida after completing his club season in Germany with Energie Cottbus, was to join the team before tonight's game against Venezuela at Cleveland Browns Stadium. He is captain of Cottbus, which was promoted to the Bundesliga for next season.
"In Gregg, we are fortunate to have a player of his experience ready to step in to his second World Cup," Arena said. "I'm confident that Gregg will be able to contribute immediately to our team."
Berhalter, a 32-year-old with 44 international appearances, had a rough night in the 4-1 exhibition loss to Germany in March.
Tonight's game will be the second in the three-game, six-day send-off series, which concludes Sunday against Latvia in East Hartford, Conn. While the United States is ranked fifth in the world, Venezuela is just 71st.
"It's important for us to get a good result," Landon Donovan said. "We want to get that winning feeling back heading into the World Cup."
-- From News Services
