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Starless but fearless U.S. routs Czech Republic 8-1 in Australia Cup
Posted: Friday January 07, 2000 01:32 PM
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- A second-string U.S. women's soccer team routed the Czech Republic 8-1 Friday, while Sweden defeated defending champion Australia 2-0 in the opening round of the four-nation Australia Cup. The American team missing all the stars from last year's World Cup-winning squad -- which boycotted the tournament after a financial dispute with U.S. Soccer -- built a 3-0 lead by halftime. Sherrill Kester scored twice in the second half for the Americans. The 18-member squad, which had only one previous international goal to its credit, showed that U.S. soccer has plenty of depth. The Americans' superior skill and fitness were evident from the opening minutes, and they could have broken the game open early if not for some brilliant saves from Czech goalkeeper Zuzana Pincova. Jenny Mascaro opened the scoring in the 14th minute when she volleyed in a chip from Kester, who had two goals. Susan Bush made it 2-0 in the 17th minute, and Nikki Serlenga added a goal in the 39th minute. Kester opened the second half with goals in the 50th and 57th minutes, Mascaro added her second in the 65th minute, and second-half substitute Christie Welsh drilled a shot from the edge of the box in the 74th minute to make it 7-0. Veronica Zepeda scored the eighth goal in the 83rd minute. The Americans finally gave up a goal with five minutes remaining when midfielder Iveta Dudova scored. In Sydney, Sweden grabbed a 2-0 lead at halftime after capitalizing on two defensive mistakes, then maintained the margin in a scoreless second half marred by slippery conditions. The Swedes opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Hanna Llungberg snuck between two defenders and lobbed a kick over Matildas goalkeeper Tracey Wheeler from near the edge of the box. Cecilia Sandell was credited with the second goal at 26 minutes when she deflected the ball from a goalmouth scramble, following a corner kick by Malin Andersson. On Monday, the U.S. plays Sweden and Australia takes on the Czech Republic in Melbourne, with another doubleheader scheduled for Adelaide on Jan. 13.
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