Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, June 19, 1995                   TAG: 9507130064
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: WASHINGTON POST
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                 LENGTH: Medium

REYNA SPARKS U.S. TO VICTORY

There haven't been many days like this for the U.S. national men's soccer team, not one in which the Americans have scored three goals before halftime and put together an almost perfect performance against a world-class opponent.

Before the largest crowd ever to watch them play at RFK Stadium (38,615), the United States continued its success under interim coach Steve Sampson on Sunday with a 4-0 U.S. Cup '95 victory over Mexico - the most lopsided win over its once-superior southern neighbor in the rivalry's 61-year history.

It was a day when former University of Virginia star Claudio Reyna emerged on the international level with a goal and two assists, goalkeeper Kasey Keller made a long-awaited return and Sampson showed why he merits serious consideration for the full-time job.

Asked if this impressive result helped his cause, Sampson said: ``It doesn't change a thing. Those decisions are out of my control. They hired me to do a job, and I'm doing it the best I possibly can. I think the players have responded extremely well to an American coach.''

The past week couldn't have been any better for Sampson. The U.S. team handled Nigeria, 3-2, last Sunday in Foxboro, Mass., and continued to click offensively with an attacking style more aggressive than that of his predecessor and former boss, Bora Milutinovic. The United States can clinch the U.S. Cup title with a victory over Colombia next Sunday at Rutgers University.

In a bold move, Sampson started Reyna at the withdrawn forward position instead of his usual midfield spot. The results were outstanding. Reyna, 21, set up the first two goals with delicate touches from just outside the penalty area, finding striker Roy Wegerle for the first score in the third minute and working a give-and-go with defender Thomas Dooley in the 25th minute.

Another former Virginia all-American, midfielder John Harkes, pushed the lead to 3-0 in the 36th minute, and Reyna provided the only highlight of an uneventful second half with a goal in the 68th minute.

Sampson was preparing to replace the tiring Reyna just prior to his goal, and when he left a moment later, it was to a standing ovation.

``I was a little bit hungry to play,'' said Reyna, who has been sidelined by a shoulder injury most of the year. ``The excitement took me into this game, rather than the pressure. ... It was a good day for the team, for U.S. soccer.''