RIO DE JANEIRO (Nov. 4, 2006) – The U.S. Beach Soccer squad posted a crucial, 4-2, win against Poland in the second Group A match of the 2006 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup at Copacabana Beach in Brazil.
Anthony Chimienti posted two goals for the United States, one in the first period and one in the third, while Brendon Taguinod and Benyam Astorga tallied one each. The U.S. will next face hosts Brazil on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. local time/9 a.m. ET.
The U.S. came out strong in the first period, with U.S. captain Francis Farberoff testing the Polish goalkeeper in the first few minutes. Shortly after, Chimienti earned a penalty kick for the U.S. when he flicked a ball into the Polish area and a defender handled the ball. Chimienti converted the penalty for the team’s first goal. Poland was able to equalize late in the first period but the U.S. answered back with a goal from Taguinod in the second period. He earned a free kick at midfield and converted with a blast into the upper right corner.
Taguinod notched an assist a few minutes later, getting the ball to Astorga, who sent a low, precise shot across the goal mouth and into the far corner. Poland got one back in the third period, converting a free kick. Chimienti scored the final goal for the U.S. when he got the ball on the right side of the box, turned and sent a rocket into the upper corner of the net. Goalkeeper Bayard Elfvin played a great game in goal for the U.S.
With the win, the U.S. is in third place in Group A with three points. In the other Group A match, Brazil won, 10-2, against Japan. A win against Brazil would ensure that the U.S. advances to the next round. The U.S. could also advance if Poland defeats Japan and the U.S. finishes with a better goal differential than either team.
U.S. Beach Soccer 2006 FIFA World Cup Schedule/Results Date Opponent Time/Result (Local / ET) Nov. 3 Japan 4-8 L
Nov. 5 Poland 4-2 W
Nov. 7 Brazil 11 a.m. / 9 a.m.
U.S. Beach Soccer Roster GOALKEEPERS (2): 1-Luiz Montanez, 12-Bayard Elfvin;
DEFENDERS (4): 5-Benyam Astorga, 9-Zak Ibsen, 2-Austin Roman, 3-Brendon Taguinod;
FORWARDS (6): 10-Francis Farberoff, 11-Raphael Xexeo, 7-Noah Merl, 8-Anthony Chimienti, 6-Ronald Silva, 4-Yuri Morales.
Head coach: Roberto Ceciliano
Group A Teams W L GF GA GD Pts Brazil 2 0 19 4 +15 6
Japan 1 1 10 14 -4 3
USA 1 1 8 10 -2 3
Poland 0 2 4 13 -9 0
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