U.S. Women Keep Ball Rolling Against Iceland

The United States women’s national soccer team keeps reaching its goals . . . and goals . . . and goals . . .

The U.S. defeated Iceland, 6-0, Friday in Indianapolis and has scored 21 goals in three games as it prepares for the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Mia Hamm scored twice and assisted on another as the U.S. outshot Iceland, 35-1.

Tiffeny Milbrett, Sara Whalen, Tisha Venturini and Debbie Keller also scored.

Still, the U.S. wasn’t overjoyed.

“It was a somewhat lackluster performance,” said U.S. midfielder Michelle Akers, who with 96 career international goals is five shy of tying the world record. “But it was a convincing win and definitely leaves room for improvement for Sunday’s match and on to the 1999 Women’s World Cup.”

Briana Scurry made one save to preserve the shutout. Kristine Lilly made her 149th career appearance, moving her into third on the world’s all-time list. The record is 151, held by retired Heidi Stoere of Norway.

*

The Zodiac defeated Seattle, 4-1, to win its fourth consecutive game in A-League soccer at Memorial Stadium in Seattle.

Forward Eddie Soto scored the winner with two minutes left in the game. The goal was Soto’s third of the season and his second game-winner in two games. The Zodiac is 4-1.

Seattle (2-4) opened scoring in the 28th minute with a header by Kevin Lamey, which bounced off the artificial turf and over goalkeeper Mike Littman.

Zodiac defender Kenny Hesse tied the score in the 85th minute after winning the ball from two Sounder defenders and hitting a looping, left-footed shot from 25 yards. Rookie midfielder Mike Matson was credited with the assist to earn his first professional point.

*

In two Major League Soccer schedule changes, the Galaxy’s game at Chicago today has been rescheduled for 5 p.m. PDT, Wednesday, May 20, and a game at Denver, originally set for Sept. 12, will be played at 6 p.m. Aug. 5.