Names in the game

Thursday, July 7, 2005 | 9:57 a.m.

Kasey Keller

Coach Bruce Arena knew for sure Kasey Keller wanted to play in the Gold Cup.

Especially with the United States playing only about 50 miles up Interstate 5 from the egg farm where Keller grew up.

"This is a tournament where sometimes guys are given a little bit of a break," Keller said as the team prepared to face Cuba on tonight at Qwest Field. "I saw those two games in Seattle and I was like, 'No problem, Bruce, I'd be more than happy to play.'"

The Gold Cup is the championship of soccer's North and Central American and Caribbean region that is played every two years. Typically, several of the top American players are given the tournament off, as Arena looks at others farther back in his talent pool.

This year, the tournament is serving as an audition for those trying to land on the 2006 World Cup roster.

Michael Phelps

Olympic champion swimmer Michael Phelps plans a busy summer in the pool.

Phelps first will compete in the world championships in Montreal from July 24-31. Then he'll join other U.S. teammates to swim against Australia in the Duel in the Pool in Irvine on Aug. 2.

The 20-year-old Phelps plans to continue racing at the U.S. summer nationals in Irvine Aug. 3-7, while other stars like Aaron Peirsol and Natalie Coughlin rest.

"I'm not going to take a break," he told the Orange County Register. "I'm just going to keep on going and going. It's another meet to swim and see where (I'm at)."

-- Sun wire services