For the record, the Omaha Vipers rallied for an 18-14 win over the 1994 United States World Cup team in an exhibition game Friday night at the Civic Auditorium.
But the real winners probably were the fans, who were treated to a fun night of soccer by some of the sport's top ambassadors.
"This was a wonderful experience,'' World Cup team member Alexi Lalas said. "I don't care if it's indoor or outdoor. It's just great to be able to be here and promote the sport we love.''
Lalas, the most recognizable player on the team, is kept busy these days as a soccer commentator for ABC and ESPN. He said he enjoyed his first trip to Omaha even though his team came up a little short.
"I had fun out there,'' he said. "I didn't do anything right, but it was nice to be a part of it.''
An enthusiastic crowd of 3,280 cheered both teams during the free-wheeling game. Even Marcelo Fontana, a longtime MISL player in his first season as the Vipers head coach, suited up for the contest.
"What a bunch of great guys,'' he said. "They came to support us, and I think everybody was happy about what they saw out here.''
A couple of young fans who appeared to be having a good time were 4-year-old twins Wyatt and Carter Carmichael. They munched popcorn while their father, Troy, took in the game.
"We're enjoying it,'' Troy said. "It's nice to be able to come here and put some faces with that 1994 team.''
About the only negative was the absence of World Cup members Tony Meola and Tab Ramos, who were scheduled to play. A Vipers official said the duo had to cancel because of snow-related travel problems on the East Coast.
That led to a slight change in personnel as Omaha goalie Jose Bontti and forward Johnny Torres played for the United States team.
"It was an honor to be on the same field with those guys,'' Torres said. "They were pioneers, and they showed tonight they can still play.''
As for the game, team USA took a 14-8 lead late in the third quarter on a goal by Paul Caligiuri. But the Vipers stormed back in the fourth quarter, scoring five times to net the win.
"When we got down by six points, I told our guys to press a little harder,'' Fontana said. "I was happy with the way they responded.''
Fabio "Fabinho'' Ribiero scored a pair of goals early in the fourth quarter to bring the Vipers within 14-12 and Deco Silva tied the game just 16 seconds after Ribiero's second goal. Freddy Moojen then scored what proved to be the game winner with 1:45 left, chipping a short shot into the net.
As the fans tried to help the World Cup team rally in the final minute with chants of "USA!'', Omaha's Carlos "Chile'' Farias put the game out of reach with a goal in the closing seconds.
Lalas, who posed for pictures with several fans after the game, said he wishes the first-year Vipers success.
"They're a new team and what they're trying to do here is important for soccer,'' he said. "If we were able to help them a little, then that's great.''
Omaha returns to MISL action Sunday at 3:05 p.m., playing host to the Missouri Comets.
Team USA.................3 4 7 0 -- 14
Omaha Vipers..........6 2 0 10 -- 18
First quarter: 1, O, Moojen (unassisted), 7:15. 2, O, Curiel (unassisted), 9:06. 3, USA, Lassiter (Torres), 3-pointer, 9:33. 4, O, Farias (unassisted), 12:39.
Second quarter: 5, USA, Sanneh (Preki), power play, 2:36. 6, USA, Preki (unassisted), 13:51. 7, O, Suarez (Farias), 14:57.
Third quarter: 8, USA, Torres (Gutierrez), 2:23. 9, USA, Gutierrez (unassisted), 3-pointer, 6:30. 10, USA, Caligiuri (Torres), 14:48.
Fourth quarter: 11, O, Ribeiero (unassisted), 2:30. 12, O, Ribiero (Farias), 4:24. 13, O, Silva (Farias), 4:40. 14, O, Moojen (Parisotto), 13:15. 15, O, Farias (Brunt), 14:32.
Shots on goal: USA 16; Omaha 22.
Saves: Bontti 5; Navarez 7; Miller 13.
Power-play conversions: USA, 1-1; Omaha, 0-0.
A: 3,280.
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