RSL's Mathis delivering on his promises

FULLERTON, Calif. — In his first game as a member of Real Salt Lake, Clint Mathis delivered a down payment on a promise — and a message to his younger teammates.

Mathis scored a goal and contributed in numerous ways to the United States' 3-0 victory over Colombia on Wednesday night at Cal State Fullerton's Titan Stadium.

The 28-year-old forward from Conyers, Ga., played his first game for the national team since leaving German club Hannover 96 in December.

"There were four or five teams in Germany and another in Spain that I could've signed with," Mathis said. "But I chose to play for (RSL coach) John Ellinger because of a promise I made five or six years ago. if he ever got a professional job, I wanted to be one of the guys playing for him."

Mathis not only scored on a corner kick but also struck other dangerous free kicks, set a screen in the midfield and helped his teammates defensively.

"I think he's got something to prove," midfielder Steve Ralston said. "I don't think he was happy in Germany. He wants to be a part of this team and show what he can do."

Mathis, however, disagrees.

"I don't think there's anything I need to prove," he said. "I think the coaching staff knows what kind of player I am. It's just a matter of maintaining that level and being one of the best 22, 23 guys in the country."

Mathis was one of Major League Soccer's stars before signing with Hannover 96 last year. He scored four goals in his second month with the club but had only two since and played just 20 games in two half-seasons.

Perhaps his biggest challenge was the fiercely competitive atmosphere at practice.

"It was a dogfight each and every day," Mathis said. "People had to put food on the table for their families. Everybody was gunning for you, whether you were in the starting 11 or just in the 18 who dressed."

That atmosphere resembles the one surrounding the national team.

"You've got these younger guys who don't have any (international experience) and they want to taste it," said Mathis, who played in the 2002 World Cup. "I have to maintain my level and keep a position in this squad.

"I definitely want to be a part of another World Cup squad. It was a great feeling in the last one and I want to feel that same need."

Mathis will get another chance to make his case when the United States plays Honduras on Saturday in Albuquerque, N.M. Ralston is among those rooting for him.

"He's got all the talent in the world," Ralston said. "Hopefully, he can bring back what he was like a couple of years back."