USA, Mexico national arena soccer teams return to Cedar Rapids for World Cup tune-up

CEDAR RAPIDS — Two months from now, the World Minifootball Federation will stage its World Cup in the Northern African country of Tunisia.

The United States is the defending champion, and several members of the Cedar Rapids Rampage are preparing to make another American run at the cup.

The United States National Arena Soccer Team continues its summer preparatory tour with an indoor soccer exhibition game against the Mexican National Team Saturday at 7 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Center.

'Playing for the USA is always a blessing,' Team USA captain and Cedar Rapids Rampage midfielder Gordy Gurson said. 'It's not every day that you get to play in front of your home crowd. I love playing in the Cell Center and I'm really excited for that game.'

Gurson, 25, has been a dynamic offensive playmaker for both the Cedar Rapids Rampage indoor team (40 goals, 12 assists in 29 games) and its outdoor offshoot Rampage United over the past two years. Fellow Rampage midfielders Tony Aguilar and Bobby Hurwitz will also play for Team USA, as will defenders Derek Huffman and Joshio Sandoval.

'We've got a really good group of guys,' Gurson said. 'I think we're getting a lot of pieces together.'

Rampage fans will also get an early look at highly-touted offseason acquisition Taylor Bond, 28, who scored 71 goals and collected 20 assists in three Major Arena Soccer League seasons with the rival Chicago Mustangs.

The day begins with a player combine and tryout from noon to 2 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Center for prospective indoor soccer players.

'I'll be there along with the U.S. National Team coaches,' Rampage General Manager Chris Kokalis said.

Team USA is coached by San Diego Sockers head coach Phil Salvagio, while former Ontario Fury Coach Bernie Lilavois serves as an assistant.

The Americans have dropped five of seven contests this summer, including a 9-4 loss to Mexico Thursday at St. Charles, Mo.

The Mexican National Team is led by Christian Gutierrez, who scored 51 goals last season with Baja Atletico. Midfielder Angel Curiel — who collected seven goals in 15 games last season with the Rampage — will also play for Mexico.

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com