Steve Corrieri

The World Cup has been a roller coaster of memories for Steve Corrieri, but he's never seen it end with his beloved English national side as the champions.But, like many soccer -- or football -- fans around the world, the Susquehannock High boys' soccer coach is hoping this could be his team's year.

"They're looking better and better with each friendly (a warm-up game)," Corrieri said."Many people have them as second favorite (behind Brazil).Their chances are as good as ever."

Before Corrieri, 28, was leading the Warriors to league titles (he's been at Susquehannock for four years), he was playing professionally in England.

And before he played five years in the country's Second Division, he was an English soccer fanatic who grew up playing anywhere he could in Carlisle (in northwest England).Because of that, Corrieri said he especially misses home around World Cup time.

"There's a camaraderie (in England) of going down to the pub and watching with hundreds of people," he said."If they lose, then everybody mopes around as if it's the worst thing ever.But if they win, everybody has a party together."

Corrieri won't be alone though for Germany 2006.For England's opening match on Saturday, he'll watch with his York United boys' team while they are at a tournament.For the rest of the games, Corrieri will host 15-20 fellow English coaches who are coaching clinics and camps here for the summer. Corrieri has enjoyed success since he switched from playing to coaching, but he sees a major challenge with the American game.

"In England, everybody plays for enjoyment," he said.
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As for the Americans' Cup chances, Corrieri said that "everybody is overlooking them, but (Coach) Bruce Arena knows what he's doing".

But whether England, the USA or the favored Brazilians win Germany 2006, Corrieri will be like an 8-year-old all over again for the next month.

"I'll be watching every game supporting the World Cup in general," he said.

"When you have two good teams, you're not going to get many chances, and you can't miss," Warriors coach Steve Corrieri said.

Since Steve Corrieri -- the Warriors' coach -- was Zalowski's club team coach, she was allowed to practice with the boys' team.