Kirk to Play for U. S. in Marlboro Cup

Joey Kirk, an All-American forward on the Cal State Northridge soccer team last season and a candidate for the Olympic team, leaves this morning for Miami, where he will participate with the U. S. National Team in the Marlboro Cup tournament beginning March 4.

The four-team tournament, which will be played in Joe Robbie Stadium, includes two teams from Colombia and one from Chile.

“I just have to keep playing good and get a look,” said Kirk, who was on the U. S. team’s roster but did not play in last year’s Marlboro Cup. “Mentally, I’m a lot different than last year. I’m a lot more confident and I know the system.”

Kirk played on a U. S. team that conducted a four-game tour of Guatemala in January.

“I played in all four games and that really helped my confidence,” Kirk said. “I want the ball, where before I was a little hesitant because I thought if I screwed up, I would be pulled off the field.”

Kirk is scheduled to play in a college all-star game in Cincinnati when he returns.