May 2, 2006
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Former University of Dayton forward Chris Rolfe was named an alternate to the U.S. Men's National Team's 2006 World Cup roster Tuesday by coach Bruce Arena. Rolfe is one of three forwards named as alternates to the 23-man roster.
Rolfe had trained with the US National Team beginning in the winter in preparations for the World Cup, trying to make the roster for the world's marquee soccer event.
He made his USMNT debut in a friendly November 12, and saw playing time in January training exhibitions.
Rolfe, the MLS Rookie of the Year runner up with the Chicago Fire, was passed over for the World Cup by forwards Brian Ching, Eddie Johnson, Brian McBride and Josh Wolff. The other two alternate forwards are Conor Casey (FSV Mainz) and Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution).
The USA was drawn into Group E for the 2006 FIFA World Cup along with the Czech Republic, Ghana, and Italy. The U.S. plays their opening match against the Czechs on June 12 in Gelsenkirchen before meeting Italy on June 17 in Kaiserslautern and then finishing off group play against Ghana on June 22 in Nuremberg. The U.S. has chosen the northern port city of Hamburg as their base of operations throughout the tournament.
Rolfe played UD from 2001-2004 and is UD's all-time assist leader. He was a Second Team All-America selection in 2004.
This season for the Fire, he leads the team with three goals in four games, tied for second in the MLS in goals scored. The Fire play at Kansas City on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET,
