SOCCER : U.S. Pays Penalty in Tournament Loss to Denmark

The U.S. national soccer team lost to Denmark on penalty kicks, 4-2, after playing to a 0-0 tie in regulation Thursday during the Carlsberg Cup exhibition tournament at Hong Kong.

The Americans dominated play in the second half but were unable to convert scoring opportunities.

Goalkeeper Kim Brodersen made a key save in the 48th minute on a shot by Mike Burns from 30 yards. In the 58th minute, Dominic Kinnear’s shot clipped the crossbar.

Denmark, the 1992 European champion, had a chance to win in the 86th minute of regulation when a powerful volley from Ronnie Ekelund was stopped by goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

In the ensuing penalty shootout, both Hugo Perez and Jeff Agoos failed to score for the Americans; Ekelund missed for the Danes.

U.S. midfielder Thomas Dooley left the game in the second half after receiving a cut above his left eye, which required eight stitches.

The U.S. team will meet Romania, a first-stage World Cup opponent, in the third-place game Sunday. Romania lost to a Hong Kong club team, 2-1.