MIAMI -- The Commonwealth of Independent States -- formerly the Soviet Union -- continued its soccer mastery of the United States with a 1-0 victory Saturday night over the U.S. National Team at Joe Robbie Stadium.
Defender Akhrik Tsveiba drilled an 18-yard shot off the foot of American defender John Doyle and past goalkeeper Tony Meola in the 67th minute.
The Commonwealth is 6-0-1 all-time against the Americans, including previous victories by the Soviet Union.
Just seven minutes before Tsveiba's score, American defender Marcelo Balboa missed a penalty kick. The kick was awarded after a hand ball by CIS defender Mandreko. Balboa's shot went straight at the goalkeeper Kharin, who blocked and smothered the ball.
The first half was fast-paced, as the teams played in front of 30,866 -- the largest soccer crowd in Florida history. Meola made 11 saves, while Kharin stopped eight shots.
The teams meet again next Saturday at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich.
