LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Coach April Heinrichs has tried to ingrain in the
minds of the U.S. women's soccer players that their toughest competition may
come from themselves.
It's working so far.
Two days after routing Trinidad and Tobago 11-0 in their tournament opener,
the Americans overpowered Costa Rica 8-0 Sunday in front of a crowd of 7,043 at
Cardinal Stadium.
"Today, and against Trinidad and Tobago, we didn't have to be on the
cutting edge of our game, but we played on the cutting edge of our game. That's
really a tribute to the self-discipline with which this team plays," Heinrichs
said.
Nikki Serlenga scored three goals and Susan Bush had a goal and four assists
for the United States, which clinched a berth in the semifinals of the
eight-nation tournament.
Serlenga, who joined the team in January, got her first hat trick in
international competition.
"It's not like I had a cape on my back," Serlenga said. "I just somehow
hit the right target three times. The stars were just lined up right."
The Americans dictated play from the opening minutes, keeping the ball in
the Costa Rican half of the field for more than 90 percent of the first half.
The U.S. team failed to click on many early scoring runs but was never
threatened by its smaller, slower opponent.
The Americans outshot Costa Rica 39-4 and limited the visitors to a single
corner kick. Backup goalkeeper Jen Branam had to make just one save.
Heinrichs said the team could still use improvement on both ends of the
field -- and the players know it.
"There are almost inhuman expectations on this team," Heinrichs said. "We
have a vision for what direction we want this team to have, come September.
We're taking baby steps in that direction."
Serlenga broke the scoreless tie in the ninth minute, beating Costa Rica
goalkeeper Marie Claire Herra with a shot from the top of the penalty area.
Shannon MacMillan scored from nearly the same spot a minute later and Bush made
it 3-0 when she dashed into the goal crease and sent home a long cross from
Cindy Parlow in the 22nd minute.
Christie Welsh scored off a cross from Bush in the 47th minute to make the
score 4-0 and Serlenga sent a rocket past Herra from just outside the crease in
the 53rd minute for a 5-0 lead.
 | |
| The USA women have been flying high during Gold Cup play in preparation for Sydney.(AP) | |
Serlenga scored again in the 64th minute and Welsh and Sara Whalen added
goals in the final 15 minutes.
World Cup veterans Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Tiffany Milbrett and Kate
Sobrero did not play.
Serlenga said the game was a chance for her and other young players to make
their case for roster spots on the Olympic team, which will be chosen at the
end of July.
"Not many people have this opportunity, so you either go out there and work
your butt off and don't make the team or you go out there, work your butt off
and make it, which is even better," said Serlenga, a Santa Clara product.
"Either way, you're going to get better playing with players at this level.
"You learn to thrive on that kind of pressure, competing with players like
these. It gives me confidence to have a game like this."
The stadium, which seats 42,000, was less than one-quarter filled when the
U.S. game started, despite sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s.
Earlier Sunday, Katia Da Silva scored seven goals in Brazil's 11-0 win over
Trinidad and Tobago.
The Brazilians defeated Costa Rica 8-0 on June 23, and will play the U.S.
team on Tuesday night in Foxboro, Mass.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
Copyright 2000, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved