June 17, 2002

Replacing former USC teammate Clint Mathis in the starting lineup, Josh Wolff proved successful in his first appearance in the World Cup in the USA vs. Mexico second round match.

In the eighth minute Claudio Reyna crossed to Wolff, near the goal line, and Wolff flicked the ball back to an open Brian McBride, who hit the left side of the net with a hard right-footed shot. The United States would go on to score another insurance goal in the 65th minute to preserve a 2-0 shutout over Mexico, advancing them to the quarterfinals.

It is the best showing for the U. S. team since the first World Cup in 1930, when it beat Belgium and Paraguay in the first round, then lost to Argentina 6-1 in the semifinals. The United States takes on Germany, a three-time World Cup champion, Friday, July 21.

Wolff lettered for the University of South Carolina from 1995-97 and currently plays for the MLS’s Chicago Fire.

Wolff and Mathis, both representing the University of South Carolina, have combined for one goal and two assists during the World Cup compeition in Korea.