Natalie Neaton’s 77th minute goal lifted the U.S. women’s national team to a 1-0 victory over an inspired Iceland team in a misty rain at Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem, Pa. May 10. The pace of the game was slowed considerably by a field saturated by five days of steady rain, and the conditions favored the Europeans, who packed their defense and absorbed repeated U.S. attacks. Tiffeny Milbrett had the best U.S. chance in the opening half when she sent a close-range shot just over the bar in the third minute. “We were just a little anxious instead of just letting it happen,” said U.S. forward Mia Hamm. The Americans held just a 6-3 shot advantage at halftime, but came out after the break much more determined and immediately turned up the pressure. They outshot Iceland 16-0 after the intermission and 22-3 for the match. Neaton, a former all-America at William & Mary, entered the match for Cindy Parlow in the 68th minute. Nine minutes later, Julie Foudy ran down a ball in the left side of the Iceland penalty box, pivoted toward the goal and chipped a cross into the middle, where Neaton met it with a header that flew into the right side of the net. The goal was Neaton’s third in just four international appearances; she also came off the bench to score the gamewinner in a 2-1 victory over Canada in 1995. “I could feel a sense of urgency as soon as I went into the game,” she said afterward. “I knew if we kept pressing we would get one, and Julie gave me a perfect cross. As one of the younger players, it feels great to contribute to a victory, as we are all trying to win roster spots for the Women’s World Cup in 1999.” The U.S. was unable to score again, although both Foudy and Neaton hit the crossbar in the final minutes of play. “The Iceland team was a bit embarrassed after Friday’s [6-0] loss and came out to prove something today, which I think they did,” said U.S. coach Tony DiCicco. “We didn’t do a good job of using the width of the field in the first half, but we battled and got a goal, and that’s definitely something we can build on as we continue to prepare for the World Cup in 1999.” A crowd of 5,811 braved the soggy conditions to cheer on the U.S. “I wish we could have put the ball in the net a few more times for the people that came out in this weather,” Hamm added. “But at least we got the win.” May 10 in Bethlehem, Pa. USA 1 Iceland 0. Goal: Neaton 77. USA — Webber, Chastain, Pearce (Cromwell, 83), Fawcett, Foudy, Akers (Venturini, 46), MacMillan (Whalen, 68), Milbrett (Keller, 46), Lilly, Hamm, Parlow (Neaton, 68). Iceland — Palsdottir (T.Helgadottir, 80), Skuladottir, Steinthorsdottir, Akadottir, Hannesdottir, A.Helgadottir, Simonardottir (Hendriksdottir, 68), Gardarsdottir (Olafsdottir, 80), K. Jonsdottir, Faerseth (Ingibergsdottir, 68), G.Jonsdottir. Yellow cards: Iceland — A.Helgadottir 25, Simonardottir 51. Referee: Bob Sheker (USA). Att.: 5,811.