The U.S. Women’s national team defeated the University of Hartford 2-0 in an exhibition match played before a capacity crowd at Al-Marzook Stadium in Hartford Oct. 2. The U.S. outshot Hartford 22-0, but was unable to crack the tight Hawk defense until the second half, when forward Mia Hamm, frustrated by rough defense for the entire match, was taken down from behind in the box in the 67th minute. However, Hartford keeper Ingrid Sternhoff (a reserve keeper for the Norweigan national team) made a superb diving save of Michelle Akers’ penalty kick, and Kristine Lilly’s follow shot went just wide. Akers atoned in the 77th minute, when she scored the first U.S. goal by heading home Hamm’s corner kick. Sternhoff got a hand on the driven header, but was only able to push the ball into the roof of the net. The U.S. added a second goal in the final minute after Lilly was fouled on the right flank. Shannon MacMillan drove a low free-kick into the middle, where Tiffeny Milbrett met the ball on the volley and spun it into the left corner. The exhibition match was a tuneup for the national team’s trip to Germany, where it will face the reigning European champions on Oct. 9 and 12. Oct. 2 in Hartford, Conn. Hartford 0 USA 2. Goals: Akers 77, Milbrett 90. Hartford — Sternhoff, Fountain, Karlsson, Bohle, Reter, Knudsen, Doreleijers, Gussias, Sparkes, Kun, Duhrkoop. Subs: Reardon, Ferreira, Pink. USA — Scurry, Cromwell, Pearce, Staples (Devert, 70), MacMillan, Akers (Connors, 79), Foudy, Lilly, Keller (Venturini, 46), Milbrett, Hamm. Yellow cards: Hartford — Knudsen 13, Bohle 59, Doreleijers 75. Referee: Richard Eddy. Att.: 3,612 (sellout).