6. BEACH SOCCER: USA splits first two games

The USA split its first two games at the 2006 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Coach Roberto Ceciliano‘s team fell to Japan, 8-4, in their opening match on Friday, but defeated Poland, 4-2, two days later. Former Santa Clara player Anthony Chimienti led the USA with two goals against the Poles. Chimienti spent the last season with the outdoor NPSL’s Sacramento Knights.

The U.S. squad’s fate will be determined Tuesday when it faces host Brazil in its final group match. Brazil won its first two games, 10-2 and 9-2.

Players of note on the roster include former U.S. international Zak Ibsen and Yuri Morales, who played for Danish Super League club Viborg.

U.S. Beach Soccer Roster
GOALKEEPERS: Luiz Montanez, Bayard Elfvin; DEFENDERS: Benyam Astorga, Zak Ibsen, Austin Roman, Brendon Taguinod; FORWARDS: Francis Farberoff, Raphael Xexeo, Noah Merl, Anthony Chimienti, Ronald Silva, Yuri Morales.