With spaces still up for grabs on the national team, the US have a side that is hungry to shine and eager to show their worthiness.

Most have already had international experience and are anxious for more in the "big leagues'', including six-foot, one-inch forward Brian McBride and attacking partner Jimmy Glenn from San Antonio, Texas.

"The possibilities are that they could be spotted by Bore (Milutinovic) and be called to the `A' team,'' said United States soccer administrator John Martin. "They may further get a chance to face countries involved in this year's World Cup in terms of training matches.'' Martin noted that the core of the team had been together for the last two years and recently endured a month-long training camp in Florida.

Still, the American proved a bit cagey on the subject of what methods would be used against Bermuda during the Tuesday and Thursday night matches.

"We'll use the typical American style, which means no style at all,'' said Martin, laughing. "The team is very influenced by the style of the coach.'' This is where John Ellinger plays the leading role, conducting a chorus of young guns.

Ellinger, a high school athletic director in Maryland, is scheduled to arrive with his troops tomorrow, most of which are current or former high school or college All-Americans.

"We have what we feel will be a large part of the 1998 World Cup team and many still have a shot at making the roster for this year,'' said Ellinger.

"We have a solid group of players and if the best 25 players are in Mission Viejo (the training site for the national team players) then we have the second best.'' He feels Bermuda would be a significant challenge for his group, which has an average age of 22 years.

The most recent foray outside the US had them facing CONCACAF counterparts Trinidad and Tobago, drawing 1-1 in the opening contest before coming back to thrash the home team 3-0 in the second game.

However, Ellinger remained optimistic about his team's chances.

"I expect a tough match and would suggest us as being the underdogs,'' continued Ellinger. "It will be a good measuring stick for our young players.''