ORONO – On Sept. 6, 1987, Rutgers University’s nationally ranked (18th) Scarlet Knights gave University of Maine freshman goalie Todd Brennan a debut to remember. They peppered him with 28 shots, requiring 15 saves, in their 2-1 overtime win.

The leader of the offensive barrage was talented senior striker Peter Vermes, who scored the 22nd goal of his career.

“He could strike the ball extremely well,” remembered Maine Coach Jim Dyer. “Todd had to make a lot of acrobatic saves to deny him.”

Vermes was back in Orono this week with the U.S. National Team. He played in the 1990 World Cup in Italy and hopes to get that same opportunity in this country in 1994.

“I definitely have fond memories of that game here,” recalled Vermes following a practice session. “That was the first game of the season and was the start of a really good season for us.

“I scored my goal right here,” added Vermes as he walked past the goal closest to the field house. “This is a beautiful field.”

Vermes has played professional soccer in Holland and Spain, but has signed a contract to stay with the U.S. National Team.

“I’ve done my European experience,” said Vermes. “I’m looking forward to being part of World Cup 1994 and I feel the best way to do that is by coming back here and focusing on this team.

“It’s not the optimal situation at the moment because we’ll spend a week at a time on the road and a week at home,” added Vermes. “But it will be in six months when we move to our permanent training site in Mission Viejo (Calif.).”

Vermes said he is currently going through an adjustment period.

“In Spain and Holland, I was subjected so many different styles,” said Vermes. “So I’m trying to adjust my game back to fit in with this team. I just want to be more consistent and get to a level of play I can build off.”

“Peter is a good player,” said U.S. Coach Bora Milutinovic. “It’s good that he is making a big effort for the team.”

“He’s going to be very important for us in 1994,” said American sweeper Marcelo Balboa, who also played in the 1990 World Cup. “He’s very skilled, very fast and can use both feet. He can play with his back to the goal.”