AYIA NAPA, Cyprus -- With the country in turmoil, Ukraines national football team says it is a symbol of the countrys unity. The Ukrainians are scheduled to face the United States in a friendly on Wednesday in Cyprus, a match moved from Kharkiv to Larnaca for security reasons. "The national team is a symbol of unity because players come from all over Ukraine," said its captain Anatoliy Tymoshchuk on a wind-swept practice pitch behind the teams hotel in the coastal resort of Ayia Napa. "Were all one big family, were all united." Speaking ahead of the teams training session on Tuesday, Tymoshchuk said the troubles at home do weigh on players minds. "Its a dangerous situation," he said. "We have our families, we worry but we hope that we can keep the peace in Ukraine as quickly as possible." Team spokesman Alexander Glyvynskyy said Wednesdays match is dedicated to the people of Ukraine under the slogan "Peace for Ukraine." "We are not ready for war," Glyvynskyy said. "We hope that we can be good neighbours (with Russia) in the future." Ukraine coach Mykhailo Fomenko said he wanted his teams performance to send a message of unity back home. "Most important is unity and concentration, its important for all Ukrainians," Fomenko said. "I told the players to play like one unit." Despite threats to cancel the match, Ukraine football association president Anatoliy Konkov said Tuesday the game would go ahead. "(We) reached a consensus to play the USA after all," Konkov said in a statement that also praised the American team. "(They) stood behind us to protect the national interests and territorial integrity of Ukraine." The match, which will be played at Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium, is a key warm-up for the United States ahead of this years World Cup. But for Ukraine, which failed to qualify for the tournament in Brazil, it will serve as preparation for the qualifying tournament for the 2016 European Championship. "This game is a huge opportunity, mainly for our European-based players, for those guys to prove to us that they are eager and hungry to jump on the train to the FIFA World Cup," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. Fomenko said earlier in Kyiv that he expects Wednesdays game to be similar in style to a Premier League match, since many of the American players play for English clubs. Glyvynskyy said he expects the Americans to play an attacking game, but that Ukraine is injury-free and has all its best players available. "The players want to play on an official level and want to test their level of play after a two-month winter break," he said. He added that Cyprus was an ideal location for the match because it was relatively simple to organize at short notice and there are no problems with visa issues. Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium has hosted many of Cyprus international matches, but its not the Mediterranean islands top football venue. The GSP Stadium in Nicosia, however, is unavailable because Cyprus is hosting Northern Ireland in another friendly. Its the second time in recent weeks that Cyprus has been selected as an alternate venue for a match involving a Ukrainian team. Last month, a Europa League match between Dynamo Kyiv and Valencia was moved to the Cypriot capital. Cameron Maybin Jersey . Jason Zucker and Matt Cooke also scored for Minnesota, which has won five of six. Kuemper made five saves in the first, nine in the second, and nine in the third. The rookies best save came with 2:17 left in the third period when he denied former Wild forward Matt Cullen from just outside of the crease on the right side. Wei-Yin Chen Jersey . There is no argument that the line of Pacioretty, David Desharnais and Thomas Vanek was one of the hottest in the NHL leading into the post-season, and they did combine for three goals and seven points, but it was the depth of all four lines that helped propel Montreal. http://www.marlinsteamproshop.com/Marlin...ke-Kids-Jersey/. According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, the deal will pay Schenn $2.25 million in the first year and $2.75 million in the second year. In 82 games with the Flyers in 2013-14, Schenn scored 20 goals and added 21 assists. Miami Marlins Jerseys . The 30-year-old Kottaras served as Kansas Citys backup catcher last season after being claimed off waivers from Oakland in January. Andre Dawson Jersey . 22. Wade averaged 26.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals while leading the Heat to a 3-0 record. The 31-year-old shot 60 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range en route to his 17th weekly honor.NASHVILLE -- Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne underwent an MRI on Thursday, and the results were improved according to general manager David Poile. Rinne will continue limited physical activity for the next two weeks and, if all goes well, will be able to advance to more strenuous conditioning later in December. "In a nutshell, the doctor is happy with the progress," Poile said. "What he is recommending is two more weeks basically of rehab if you will. December 20th is sort of a target date to hopefully get him into more strenuous activity leading back to playing." Poile talked to reporters before Nashvilles home game against the Carolina Hurricanes Thursday night. Rinne has been sidelined since he had arthroscopic surgery on his left hip Oct. 24 as a result of a bacterial infecttion.dddddddddddd The infection developed in the same hip that was surgically repaired May 9 following the conclusion of last season. Since the surgery, Rinne has been taking antibiotics. The line is scheduled to be removed Friday, although he will continue on antibiotics as a precautionary measure. In nine games this season, Rinne is 4-4-1 with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. He is a two-time finalist for the Vezina Trophy. Poile could not give a target date for Rinnes projected return to the Nashville lineup. If healthy, the Finn is thought to be a candidate to represent Finland at the Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In Rinnes absence, Marek Mazanec has ascended to the role as the Predators top goaltender. Mazanec was the NHLs Rookie of the Month for November on Tuesday. ' ' '