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June 22, 2006

Update: U.S. soccer team sent packing

Associated Press photo
American player Carlos Bocanegra can't believe his trip to Germany has been cut short.

NUREMBERG, Germany – The U.S. World Cup team fell to Ghana, 2-1, in today's World Cup match. The Black Stars, as they are known to their home fans, got the go-ahead goal on a penalty kick by Stephen Appiah in stoppage time of the first half. Just five minutes before, the Americans had tied the game on a goal by Clint Dempsey of the New England Revolution. Haminu Draman scored the game's first goal in the 22nd minute for the Ghanaian team.

The result, coupled with Italy's 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic, means that Italy wins Group E, while Ghana also advances as the second team in the group. Their opponents will be determined later today, when Japan plays against Brazil while Croatia takes on Australia. The American team, which came in with a high international ranking and high hopes, goes home.

Rick Siravo of South Kingstown, public relations director for Soccer Rhode Island, says he was "very disappointed" by the result. "I feel that the U.S. team should be on the forefront of soccer, and therefore it is certainly disappointing when we can't advance to the second round and we lose to teams that we should be able to defeat." He said the U.S. team showed no offensive ability during its three first-round games, and that its defensive strategy was a mistake.

But he predicted that the result would not dampen enthusiasm for the game in this country, and that the attention drawn by the World Cup would "only enhance the level of play and participation, particularly at the youth level."

Interact online with other readers and tell us whether you're watching the World Cup.

-- projo.com and Associated Press reports

Posted by Kate Bramson  at 12:24 PM | Permalink

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