SOCCER : U.S. to Test Progress Against Top Chilean Squad

The United States plays Chile today in a soccer “friendly” at University Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M.

Coach Bora Milutinovic has taken an 18-member team to the University of New Mexico, choosing to leave behind defender Jeff Agoos, midfielder Brian Quinn and forward Joe-Max Moore. Moore is recovering from injury, but the absence of Agoos and Quinn was not explained. Forward Peter Vermes was cut this week.

Chile, which was barred from competing in the 1994 World Cup because it cheated by feigning injury and walking off the field during a qualifying match against Brazil for the 1990 tournament, has brought a strong team to the United States.

The Chileans’ 16-man roster includes 10 players who were on Chile’s Copa America, or South American Championship, squad in Ecuador last year. However, Chile’s most dangerous player, striker Ivan Zamorano, could not gain release to play in the match from his Spanish club team, Real Madrid.