FROM USA SOCCER FEDERATION:

USA Coach Bruce Arena Press Conference 03/22/05 6:59pm

ESPN TAKES USA V. MEXICO OUTSIDE THE LINES: The U.S. Men's National Team's rivalry with Mexico will be the featured topic this Sunday morning on ESPN's acclaimed series "Outside the Lines" at 9:30 a.m. ET. Hosted by Bob Ley, the show will examine the intense, sometimes intimidating and volcanic atmosphere that exists in games played in Mexico. "Outside the Lines" will also take a historical look at past games played between the two countries and will offer viewers a unique, behind the scenes look at the U.S. team as they prepare for their World Cup qualifying match against their biggest rival. Two former U.S. National Team standouts will preview the latest installment of the rivalry during the show: Marcelo Balboa (the current color analyst for U.S. MNT matches on ESPN) and Alexi Lalas (currently the general manager of Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes). A second version of the show, recapping Sunday's result, will also air on "Outside the Lines" daily episode at 11:58 p.m. ET on Monday evening (March 28).

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED TO PREVIEW U.S. V. MEXICO CLASH: This week's edition of Sports Illustrated takes an in-depth look at the most heated rivarly in the region in advance of the USA's World Cup qualifier in Mexico this Sunday. Soccer reporter Grant Wahl has interviews with former players, fans, and experts to examine why the intensity of the rivalry extends well beyond the lines on the field, and why getting a win in Azteca may be one of the hardest task in sports. The four-page article appears in the March 28 edition that hits news stands this Thursday.