The United States National Arena Soccer Team (USNAST) won its first ever game in its brief history after three defeats, edging Peru 7-6 in SO.The US trailed 5-3 at the end of three quarters before rallying. Two goals by Garth Archibald tied the score at 5-5, but Renzo Garcia completed his hat trick and gave Peru another lead just 55 seconds later.
The Americans first five goals were scord and assisted by its most experienced players: Greg Howes, Bernie Lilavois, and Archibald. Then in a sort of passing of the torch Howes set up Ryan Creager to tie the game at 10:30 of the fourth quarter.
With the game tied after regulation it went to shootouts where Creager, who has scored a goal in each of his four games this year (two with the Denver Dynamite and two with the USNAST) again proved the hero converting his attempt. Creager's was the only successful attempt for either side in the three round shootout and it gave the US its first international victory.
Howes finished with two goals and three assists. Peru's Garcia had three goals ans two assists, which his teammate Oscar del Portal had two goals and two assists. Archibald added an assist to his two goals and Lilavois had a goal and an assist.
Justin Dzuba again got the start for the US in goal.
In other action Mexico beat Brazil 7-4 to remain unbeaten in international play at 4-0. Mexico again shuffled to a 3-3 halftime score before turning it on in the second half.
Genoni Martinez had a goal and three assists and Victor Negrete had a goal and an assist to lead Mexico.
The teams don't return to action until Saturday when the US faces Brazil and Mexico takes on Peru.
The US currently sits in third place with two points. Mexico has six and Peru has three and Brazil has one. Three points are awarded for a regulation win and two are awarded for a shootout win with the extra point going to the shootout loser.
• Discuss this story on the Professional Arena Soccer League message board...
• Digg this story
• Add to Del.icio.us
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.