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US Field Hockey Men Upset Russia,
1-0, at World Cup Qualifier Edinburgh, Scotland - The U.S. men's field hockey team used a
fast break goal by Daraspreet Kainth and some stellar goalkeeping by Andrew Duncan to
upset Russia, 1-0, on the opening day of the World Cup Qualifying Tournament at Peffermill
Stadium.
Following Kainth's goal in the 58th minute, the U.S survived a relentless Russian
flurry in the second half game, including a final penalty corner attempt as regulation
time ended, to secure its first major international victory outside of the Americas since
1996.
"It was like an endless goal line stand in (American) football," said
U.S. assistant coach Shelley Onstead. "The defense just kept holding and holding and
Andy Duncan was really the cornerstone of that effort.
This is a great confidence builder of us."
Duncan recorded 11 saves on the day and received timely defensive help from right
fullback Shawn Nakamura in earning the 4th shutout of his career.
In making its first return to the World Cup Qualifier since 1989, the U.S. narrowly
missed on some scoring opportunities early in the game before surviving a late surge by
the Russians at the end of the first half . The U.S.
finally broke the deadlock when Kainth slammed a crossing pass into an empty cage on the
counter attack.
In the other Pool D game on Tuesday, Poland scored two late goals to upend Canada,
2-1, while in Pool B, Argentina crushed Bangladesh 8-1, and France and Belgium played to a
1-1 draw. Pools A and C of the 16-team tournament begin play on Wednesday.
The U.S. continues first round play on Thursday against long-time rival Canada. The
match renews a friendly family rivalry between U.S. head coach Shiv Jagday and his son,
Ronnie, a member of the Canada team. The U.S. concludes pool play July 20 against Poland.
The top seven teams at the Qualifier advance to the 2002 World Cup, March 4-16,
2002 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. at Edinburgh,
Scotland USA: Daraspreet Kainth (fg, 58:00) USA Starters: Rhinku Bhamber, Pat Cota, Steve Danielson, Andrew Duncan (gk), Pat Harris, Shawn Hindy, Binh Hoang, Ryan Langford, Jarred Martin, Shawn Nakamura, Mike Shanafelt
SUBS: Jang Badhesha, Daraspreet Kainth, Koijan Kainth, Todd Robinson
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