BRAD Friedel put in a superb goalkeeping display in the USA's 2-1 World Cup warm-up win over Uruguay last night.
The Rovers keeper made 13 saves against the USA's fellow World Cup qualifiers, as the Americans continued their impressive build-up to the finals at the RFK Stadium in Washington DC.
Goals from Tony Sanneh and Chicago youngster DaMarcus Beasley put the USA on the road to victory but it was Friedel's superb showing that stood out.
"Every game is different," Friedel said.
"Sometimes you stand around for the whole game and have to make a save in the 90th minute and sometimes you are called upon to make saves throughout the game. They are both just as important."
The former Columbus Crew and Liverpool keeper has enjoyed his best season in England for Rovers but has now set about the task of securing a World Cup starting role over Tottenham's Kasey Keller.
"Yes, I want to start in the World Cup, there is no secret to that," Friedel added.
"I'm going to work as hard as I can to get there. Does that enter my mind when I step on the field to play a game? No. There are more important things this team needs to work on."
Keller is expected to be in goal when the USA play the second of their three 'Nike Road to Korea' matches against Jamaica in New York on Thursday.
However, the Rovers keeper is expected to return to play in their final warm-up match, when the USA face Holland in a sold-out CMGI Field stadium in New England on Sunday.
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