May 2, 2006

Raleigh, N.C. - Former NC State standout Pablo Mastroeni (1994-97) has been one of 23 players selected to participate in the 2006 FIFA World Cup for the U.S. National Team. The U.S. will be competing in soccer's most coveted tournament beginning on June 12, hosted by Germany. This years World Cup marks Mastroeni's second straight, as he was a member of the 2002 U.S. squad that advanced to the quarterfinals in Korea/Japan. Overall, NC State has had one player on the U.S. National Team participate in the World Cup dating back to 1990 - Tab Ramos (1990, 1994 and 1998) and Pablo Mastroeni (2002 and 2006).

The 2006 announcement was made live by head coach Bruce Arena on SportsCenter Tuesday evening.

Mastroeni has made 46 career appearances for the U.S. National Team, including starting three games as a defensive midfielder in the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan. The U.S. fell to Germany in the quarterfinals, its best showing in World Cup action since 1930.

At the 2006 World Cup, the United State will be part of Group E, which also includes the Czech Republic, Ghana and Italy. The first game for the U.S. will be June 12 against the Czech Republic in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The U.S. will then take on Italy on June 17 and Ghana on June 22. The northern port city of Hamburg will serve as the base of operations for the U.S. throughout the World Cup.

The U.S. will reconvene for training in Cary, N.C. on May 9 at SAS Soccer Park before embarking on the team's three-game `Send-Off Series', three final exhibition games before the team leaves for Germany.

What they are saying about Mastroeni:

Pablo Mastroeni, 29 -- Emerged as a star at '02 World Cup and will be a factor again - Joe Conway, Houston Chronicle - May 2, 2006

Pablo Mastroeni, 29 -- Covers a lot of ground in midfield; provides an edge - Glenn Davis, Broadcaaster and Houston Chronicle contributor - May 2, 2006

Pablo Mastroeni, 29 -- Rapids mid can play central defense; needs to stay injury-free. - Bernardo Falas - Houston Chronicle - May 2, 2006

Pablo Mastroeni: Useful in midfield or on the backline. He's steady and cool as ice. - Nathan Saunders, San Antonio Express-News - May 1, 2006

Mastroeni Bio from ussoccer.com: A hard-nosed tackler and tenacious ball-winner ... His speed and ball control allow for him to chase down attackers and still venture forward into the attack ... Has emerged as a vocal presence and more effective organizer ... A member of two CONCACAF Gold Cup championship sides ... A late-comer to the 2002 World Cup squad, he performed admirably in the defensive midfield role for the United States in Korea/Japan, displaying maturity and poise beyond his years. 2005: Played in 11 matches, equaling a career best for a calendar year ... Played in six final round qualifiers, starting five ... His tireless defensive efforts and leadership of an inexperienced side earned him Man of the Match honors in the 0-0 qualifying draw on Sept. 7 away to Guatemala ... Wore the captain's armband in that match, as well as the friendlies against Colombia on March 9 and Honduras on March 19 in Albuquerque ... The Honduras match was also Bruce Arena's 100th as Manager of the MNT ... Also started against Honduras in the semifinal of the 2005 Gold Cup, one of three appearances in the tournament as the U.S. collected their third title. 2004: Made his first three qualifying appearances in 2004, making his first-ever start in the 3-2 win against Grenada on June 20 ... Earned Man of the Match honors in a 1-1 WCQ draw with Jamaica in Columbus ... A left quad pull limited his availability in the summer months ... Had seven total appearances and five starts. 2003: Played 11 matches in 2003, including 10 appearances as a starter ... Started the first five games of the year, including the 1-0 loss against his native Argentina ... Appeared in all five matches in the USA's third-place finish in the Gold Cup. 2002: Made three starts in the World Cup finals, and is credited with helping shut down Portuguese attacking midfielder Rui Costa in the USA's 3-2 win in the opening match ... Started the last four games of the 2002 Gold Cup, helping the U.S. post four straight shutouts and win the CONCACAF trophy ... The U.S. recorded shutouts in all six of the matches in which he played prior to the World Cup. 2001: Started at right back against Korea Republic on Dec. 9, 2001 ... Made his debut for the U.S. in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador on June 7, 2001, in Columbus after obtaining his U.S. citizenship earlier that year ...Participated in his first U.S. National Team training camp in January 2001. First Appearance: June 7, 2001, vs. Ecuador.