from the official metrostars website


Mike Petke Selected To The U.S. National Team Rookie Defender To Face Australia On November 6th In San Jose

SECAUCUS, NJ (WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1998) Rookie defender Mike Petke was among 22 players named today to the U.S. National Team that will face Australia in an international friendly in San Jose, CA on Friday, November 6th at 7:30 p.m. (PT). Petke was one of nine first-time players selected by new head coach Bruce Arena.

"I am very happy that I have received the opportunity to represent my country on the soccer field next month against Australia," said Petke, a 22-year old native of Bohemia, NY. "I cannot think of any greater honor in soccer and am really looking forward to training on Sunday."

The international friendly will serve as a warm-up to the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup in Mexico from January 8-20 where the U.S. will face Brazil, New Zealand, and an undetermined European opponent in Group B competition.

Petke, who was a finalist for the 1998 Bandai Rookie of the Year award, started 25 of the 27 games he played and notched a goal and an assist in 2,234 minutes of action. His lone goal of the season against New England on June 24th was voted "Goal of the Year" by MetroStars fans on the team's official website-www.MetroStars.com.

"Mike is one of the best young players in Major League Soccer and a rising star in our sport," said general manager and vice president Charlie Stillitano. "His selection to the team is a tribute to all the hard work he put together this season."

The former All-American at Southern Connecticut State was the MetroStars first round pick (# 8) in the 1998 College draft. He joins Mike Sorber, Tony Meola, Tab Ramos, Alexi Lalas, and Tim Howard (Under-20) as current MetroStars players to participate with the U.S. National Team this year.