U.S. Soccer Team Must Win

Sun., Sept. 7, 1997

Compiled From Wire Services

A homecoming theme has been reverberating through the preparations for today’s World Cup qualifying game in Portland between Costa Rica and the U.S., and not just because the Americans know they must win this home game to solidify their chances of going to France for the World Cup next summer.

Portland is the collegiate hometown of Kasey Keller, the best goalkeeper America has ever had. Keller got his start playing for the University of Portland in 1988.

But perhaps the most important homecoming of all is that of Tab Ramos, who returns to the national team after 10 arduous months rehabilitating his knee from a serious injury suffered against Trinidad and Tobago last November.

Tore Andre Flo led Norway into the World Cup finals for the second time in a row with a first-half winner against Azerbaijan. Flo scored the only goal in the 43rd minute.

Saturday’s results mean that Romania and Norway have joined host nation France in the finals, along with defending champion Brazil and South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, Tunisia and Morocco.

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U.S. Soccer Team Must Win

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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