MORE HELPING HANDS

U.S head coach Bob Bradley has bolstered his staff with three new editions in 2008. On the technical side, former Egyptian national team goalkeeper Zak Abdel will train the goalkeepers, the former Chivas USA goalkeeper coach having previously assisted Sigi Schmid with the U.S. U-20 MNT that participated in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in Holland. Additionally, Pierre Barrieu has rejoined the national team staff after a year with the New York Red Bulls. Barrieu served as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the national team for a four-year span that included two World Cups. On the medical side, Bradley has appointed Ivan Pierra to be the Head Athletic Trainer for the Men’s National Team. Pierra has assisted the national team programs since 1993, and had served as the ATC for the Los Angeles Galaxy from the inception of the club in 1996.