July 14, 2005
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State University men's soccer head coach has left for Israel to lead the men's Jewish National Team in the 17th Maccabiah Games, better known as the Jewish Olympics.
On July 11, 50,000 people packed Ramat Gan stadium for the opening ceremonies where Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon, spoke to the 8,000 athletes and delegation parties. The Maccabiah Games are the third largest world sporting competition and will host approximately 60 countries in over 30 sports.
This is Kirshner's third trip to the Maccabiah, but his first with coaching responsibilities. In 1993, the U.S.A. won bronze with Kirshner anchoring the back line. In 1997, Kirshner captained the only team to beat gold medal winning Brazil. This will be the second time he has coached a Jewish National team, winning bronze in the 2003 Pan American games held in Santiago, Chile.
A number of professional and collegiate players lead the U.S.A. team. The most notable player is Benny Feilhaber, who just finished a great run in Holland with the U.S. Under-20 National Team. Chivas USA player, Michael Erush will partner with NY/NJ Metrostar draftee, Leonid Krupnik in central defense. The attack will count on Minnesota Thunder pro, Kevin Friedland and another professional from Belgrade, Jordan Gruber. Former professional, Matt Reiswerg will mind the nets, as the US squad attempts to win their first men's soccer gold medal in Maccabiah Games history.