USA Slides into the Round of 16, 3-1 over South Africa


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Franck Tayou is smooth, but who knew the big man could be so slippery? In a game that resembled the Ice Capades, Tayou scored two goals on the rain-drenched field to lead the US6 National Team to a 3-1 win over South Africa. The US currently lead Group H with six points.

The Americans had the lion’s share of chances, but both teams had difficulty moving the ball on the slick conditions.

Tayou scored in the 12th minute to give the US the lead for good, but the team clung to its razor thin margin until Tayou’s second goal four minutes into the second half.

On his first goal, Tayou was set up by Slavisa Ubiparipovic who received a pinpoint pass from Kraig Chiles. On the second goal it was Chiles with the takeaway and one-timer to Tayou who beat the South African goalie to the near side.

Brian Farber, who always creates havoc near the goal, deflected in an attempted clear of a Chiles shot to essentially put the game out of reach in the 43rd minute.

South Africa got one back, spoiling Boris Pardo’s bid for back-to-back shutouts when Jason Pottier scored with around two minutes left, but the US held on for the win.

For their part South Africa gave the US more than they were expecting and the sloppy conditions put the US team in a somber disposition. It wasn’t the win they wanted, but it was the win they needed.

The US will close group play with a game against Brazil on Sunday at 11:30 am local time (11:30pm EDT, 8:30pm PDT).

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