The Baltimore Sun from Baltimore, Maryland • Page E2

Page 2e Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003 The Sun Soccer Sports Digest Brazil makes statement, tops Norway, 4-1 The quiz Win all but assures spot in quarterfinals for Brazil; Daniela has goal, assist Wrapping it up: Twenty years ago today, the Orioles clinched the American League East title with a 5-1 win over the Brewers. What team finished second? (Answer in For The Record) By Glenn P. Graham SUN STAFF WASHINGTON The Brazilian women made the World Cup's first major statement yesterday at RFK Stadium. With goals from four players two in each half the Brazilians posted a stunningly easy 4-1 win over world power Norway in a preliminary round match in Group play.

With one preliminary-round match left here against France on Saturday afternoon, Brazil (2-0 with six points) all but assured advancement to the quarterfinals, while Norway (1-1 with three points) still has work to do against South Korea on Saturday in Foxboro, Mass. "We were a little surprised at how well we played, but we were so excited to play, and we really gave everything," said midfielder ASSOCIATED PRESS Brazil's Katia (left), who scored her third goal in two games, celebrates Brazil's win over Norway with teammate Formiga. Daniela, who scored Brazil's first goal and assisted on the second. Norway has a recognized pedigree winner of the 1995 World Cup and semifinalist in 1991 and 1999 and Brazil is fast honing its own as it tries to improve on a third-place finish in 1999. The Brazilian game is built on speed and skill, a combination that clearly overmatched Norway yesterday.

The first bit of proof came on Daniela's long run that started around midfield and continued through the Norway defense until she hit a shot from 20 yards that found the lower left corner for a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute. "They were chasing me, and I could see them coming after me," she said. "But I was able to get loose and the defense backed away, so there was an opening. I took my shot and the goalie was not able to get it." After Rosana headed home a direct kick from Daniela to give Brazil a 2-0 in the 37th minute, Norway looked overmatched and uninterested. But a goal from Marianne Peterson a header from a long ball sent in by Brit Sandaune in the first half's final minute gave Norway life.

It was brief. Linda Ormen had an early second-half chance for the Norweigans, but Brazil came back with goals from Marta and Katia her third in two games to put the game away. In five previous matches against Norway, Brazil scored four times in going 1-2-2. Four goals came in 68 minutes yesterday. "The Brazilian team was faster than us," said Norway coach Age Steen.

"We started the second half very well, but then Brazil scored two goals. The Brazilian team was very good and the Norway team was not. There was a big difference. We are better than that." WOMEN'S WORLD CUP Standings ference field hockey win at No. 13 McDaniel (4-2).

Powell's goal, her second of the season, was assisted by sophomore Kim McLeod. COLLEGE SOCCER: After falling behind for the first time all season, the No. 1 Maryland men's team (8-0) scored five goals in the second half for a 5-1 win over visiting George Mason (4-3-1). INDOOR SOCCER: The Major Indoor Soccer League-champion Blast will travel to Milwaukee this weekend to participate in the MISL Easter Seals' Pre-Season Classic. The Blast will play three games starting tomorrow against the Kansas City Comets at 2 p.m.

as it prepares for defense of its league title. On Saturday, the team face the expansion Monterrey (Mexico) Fury at 1 p.m. and St. Louis Steamers at 8 p.m. SOCCER: D.C.

United forward Santino Quaranta (Archbishop Curley) had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and is expected to return to action in two to three weeks. HORSE RACING: Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker was declared out of Saturday's Jockey Club Gold Cup with an injury to his right front foot. In other news, Hall of Fame jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. sued Santa Anita Park, saying negligence at the track after he broke his neck in a March 1 spill resulted in a career-ending injury. AUTO RACING: Dale Earnhardt Jr.

was cleared by NASCAR to race this weekend at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeed-way, where he is seeking a record fifth consecutive victory. He suffered a minor concussion in a wreck Sunday in Dover, Del. From staff and wire reports Pichon, France defeat South Korea, 1-0 Her goal in 84th minute gives French first Cup win By Sandra McKee SUN STAFF Pro Basketball Seeking to ease load, Silas says James won't start at point Cleveland Cavaliers coach Paul Silas has reconsidered his plans for LeBron James, the high school star who was the first pick in the NBA draft. "There's going to be enough pressure going on, so I don't want to add to it by playing him at point guard to start the season," Silas said. "It might be point guard by committee.

Anyone can initiate our offense. Not just one person." James will play shooting guard or small forward. 76ERS: As expected, guard Allen Iverson signed a four-year contract extension worth a reported $76.7 million that could keep the three-time NBA scoring champion with Philadelphia through the 2008-09 season. "I always wanted to finish my career as a Sixer," he said. College Basketball Ex-Lake Clifton player Bass indicted on drug charges Rodney Bass (Lake Clifton) and Raynardo Curry, seniors who played for Mountain State in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national championship game last season, have been indicted on federal drug charges.

Bass, a forward, was charged with three counts of marijuana distribution and Curry, a guard, faces two charges, according to indictments unsealed yesterday and announced by U.S. Attorney Kasey Warner in Beckley, W.Va. VILLANOVA: Point guard Derrick Snowden (Archbishop Spalding) is lost for the season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He likely will redshirt and return for his senior season in 2004-05. MICHIGAN: The program has received word that its appeal of the NCAA's postseason ban was successful, meaning it can participate in the 2004 tournament, a source at the school told the Detroit Free Press.

Tennis Navratilova: one more year of playing, then politics Martina Navratilova, who turns 47 next month, said she'll play through the end of next season. Then she wants to get involved with American politics, perhaps running for office. "If Arnold Schwarzenegger can run for governor in California, then who knows? I have the muscles," said Navratilova, a Czech-born U.S. citizen who lives in Colorado. "I will be involved, especially the way things are going right now.

The conservative party is too strong." Et Cetera No. 2 Salisbury edges McDaniel in field hockey Freshman forward Megan Powell scored the game's only goal with 1:50 remaining in the second half to lift second-ranked Salisbury (6-0) to a 1-0 noncon- South Korea, which was nervous in its first game last weekend when it lost to Brazil, 3-0, was much more settled last night. The Koreans took the play to the French team early, with Eun Sun Park getting the first real scoring chance in the ninth minute. Park, however, shot high, bringing a loud groan from a large contingent of South Korean fans among the 16,316. The pressure to score added an intensity and determination not seen in the preceding match between Norway and Brazil.

Every pass was challenged. Every ball was contested. And the minutes ticked away without a goal for either side. Pichon was not available for comment after the game be cause she was the random choice for post-game drug testing. But her game-winning goal almost wasn't.

If not for two brilliant saves by Marty, this game might have ended in a tie. Park and Ji Eun Lee each had wonderful scoring chances midway through the second half that tested the French goalie. Park sent a ball that forced Marty into a long stretch in which her right hand knocked the ball away at the last instant. And Lee, who received a timely pass from Park an instant later, was denied when Marty leaped to block her shot. "I knew I had to get to those balls," said Marty, who made three saves.

"And I got them." Germany gets past Japan, 3-0, for 2nd win, takes Group lead GrOUP A GF GA Pts North Korea 1 0 0 3 0 3 United States 1 0 0 3 1 3 Sweden 0 10 13 0 Nigeria 0 1 0 0 3 0 GrOUP GF GA Pts Brazil 2 0 0 7 1 6 Norway 1 10 3 4 3 France 110 12 3 South Korea 0 2 0 0 4 0 GrOUP GF GA Pts Germany 2 0 0 7 1 6 Japan 1 10 6 3 3 Canada 1 10 4 4 3 Argentina 0 2 0 0 9 0 GrOUP GF GA Pts Russia 1 0 0 2 1 3 China 10 0 10 3 Australia 0 10 12 0 Ghana 0 10 0 10 WASHINGTON It seemed no one would score in this game between France and South Korea. Over two games, they had each played more than 174 minutes without a goal. But then, late in the second half last night, Marinette Pichon of France found herself with time and space in the South Korean penalty box. It wasn't the first time. Time and again, the ball came to her there, and time and again she found nothing but frustration.

Until, the 84th minute. That's when Elodie Woock delivered the ball on a free kick. Pichon spun to her right, away from the South Korean defense, and used her left foot to whip the ball past goalie Berangere Sapowicz for a goal that would stand up for a 1-0 victory, France's first in World Cup play, at RFK Stadium. "The goal came at the right time of the game," said French goalie Celine Marty through an interpreter. we all, felt such relief." After two days of rest, France will face Brazil here Saturday in the last round of group play.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarterfinals beginning Wednesday. With last night's victory, France is tied with Norway for the second qualifying spot in Group with three points each. Brazil currently leads the group with six points, having beaten Norway, 4-1, and South Korea, 3-0. But the group could end in a three-way tie, and goal differential would determine which two teams advance. "We have to score goals," said French coach Elisabeth Loisel, who uncharacteristically criticized the officials, saying they were not up to World Cup level.

"We still have a chance against Brazil, and it's not done for Norway. A goal can make a difference between the three possible first teams." Last night, it certainly made the difference for France. ON AIR Major league baseball 7 p.m. Orioles CSN at Boston 1090 AM 1:30 a.m. O's at Boston (T) CSN Boxing 11:30 p.m.

Sharmba Mitchell SHOW vs. Ben Tackie Cycling 9:30 a.m. Vuelta a Espana OLN 3 p.m. Vuelta a Espana (T) OLN College football 7:30 p.m. Nebraska at ESPN Southern Mississippi 3 a.m.

Nebraska at ESPN So. Mississippi (T) Golf 8:30 a.m. European PGA GOLF 4 p.m. PGA Valero Open ESPN 5 p.m. PGA Nationwide GOLF Soccer: Women's World Cup 4:30 p.m.

North Korea ESPN2 vs. Sweden 7:25 p.m. Nigeria ESPN2 vs. United States 9:55 p.m. Australia vs.

China ESPN2 Yamago. Canada 3, Argentina 0: Christine Latham scored twice in a three-minute span and Canada earned the first Women's World Cup victory in team history. Charmaine Hooper added a goal on a penalty kick as Canada (1-1) remained in the hunt for a second-round berth. Latham headed a hard shot that goalkeeper Romina Ferro blocked but she pushed in the rebound with her right foot while falling backward in the 79th minute. In the 82nd minute, Kristina Kiss bent a direct kick past a wall of three defenders to Silvana Burtini, who passed to Latham, who put a low shot past Ferro from 7 yards.

Canada was awarded the penalty kick in the 18th minute after Latham was tripped inside the penalty box by defender Mariela Coronel. Hooper sent a hard shot into the left-side netting as Ferro dived to her right. Argentina (0-2) has not scored in its two games and cannot advance past the first round. ASSOCIATED PRESS COLUMBUS, Ohio Birgit Prinz scored two goals and Germany beat Japan, 3-0, last night to take the lead in Group of the Women's World Cup. Sandra Minnert added a goal as Germany (2-0) became the only team in the group with two wins.

Japan (1-1) was coming off an opening 6-0 victory over Argentina. Stefanie Gottschlich stole the ball at midfield and passed to Maren Meinert, who set up Prinz' first goal. Prinz collected the pass inside the penalty box and sent a right-footed shot into the right side for a 2-0 lead in the 36th minute. In the 67th minute, Bettina Wiegmann sent a pass to the top of penalty box and Prinz outraced a defender to the ball and put a low shot inside the left post from 18 yards. Prinz also scored in Germany's 4-1 win over Canada on Saturday.

Germany opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after Mei-nert's header bounced off the crossbar and Minnert put the rebound into the top right corner past goalkeeper Nozomi Schedule Yesterday At Washington Group Brazil 4, Norway 1 Group France 1 South Korea 0 At Columbus, Ohio Group Germany 3, Japan 0 Group Canada 3, Argentina 0 Today At Philadelphia Group Sweden vs. North Korea, 4:45 p.m. Group Nigeria vs. United States, 7:30 p.m. At Carson, Calif.

Group Ghana vs. Russia, 7:1 5 p.m. Group China vs. Australia, 1 0 p.m. Saturday At Foxboro, Mass.

Group South Korea vs. Norway, 12:45 p.m. Group Argentina vs. Germany, 3:30 p.m. At Washington Group France vs.

Brazil, 12:45 p.m. Group Canada vs. Japan, 3:30 p.m. Sunday At Columbus, Ohio Group Sweden vs. Nigeria, 1 p.m.

Group North Korea vs. United States, 3:45 p.m. At Portland, Ore. Group Ghana vs. Australia, 8:15 p.m.

Group Russia vs. China, 11 p.m. Believable fire witk unbelievable ease. it TJ For The Record Women's soccer D.C. U.

9 9 6 3331 29 Columbus 810 7 3132 34 N. Eng. 7 9 9 3040 41 Western Division 13 5 7 11 9 5 8 9 8 710 8 516 4 PtsGF 4639 3831 3229 2938 1928 x-Colo. L.A. K.C.

Dallas WATSON'S Signed DB Ron Israel to practice squad. CHARGERS: Placed Vaughn Parker on IR after surgery to repair two torn ligaments in left knee. Signed free-agent WR Dondre Gilliam. Signed OL Alex Tuttle to practice squad; released Mackenzie Hoam-breckerfrom practice squad. PACKERS: Signed RB Dahrran Diedrick to practice squad.

Waived TE Tony Donald. SAINTS: Re-signed RB Ki-Jana Carter. Released WR Derrick Lewis. Waived LB Curtis Holden from reserve-injured list. VIKINGS: Re-signed WR Robert Baker.

Released Ron Israel. FIREPLACE PATIO 1616 York Road Luthcrvillc 410-321-5855 ior team. RED WINGS: Assigned Tomas Kopecky and Danny Groulx to AHL Grand Rapids. SABRES: Re-signed restricted free-agent Jay McKee. SHARKS: Assigned Seamus Kotyk and Grant Stevenson to AHL Cleveland.

STARS: Returned Martin Vagner to QMJHL Gatineau. WILD: Assigned LW Derek Boogaard, Marc Cavosie, Mark Cullen, Chris Heid, Erik Reitz and Frederic Cloutier to AHL Houston and Armands Berzins and Jean-Michel Bolduc to junior teams. Soccer EARTHQUAKES (MLS): Re-signed Roger Levesque to multi-year contract. Placed Johanes Maliza on waivers. DP979004003 Cabrini 3, Villa Julie 0 Dickinson 4, Washington C.

1 Johns Hopkins 2, C. Notre Dame 0 Towson 3, G. Mason 0 Virginia Wesleyan 3, Salisbury 1 Field hockey Salisbury 1, McDaniel 0 Volleyball Morgan State def. Loyola, 30-23, 30-25, 25-30, 24-30, 15-8 Note: Three points for victory, one point for tie. x-clinched playoff spot Today's game D.C.

United at MetroStars, 7:30 QUIZ ANSWER The Tigers. MOVES Baseball MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Suspended Cardinals Mike Matheny for three games, manager Tony La Russa for two games and pitching coach Dave Duncan for one game and fined each for conflict with umpire Sept. 13. ROYALS: Activated OF Michael Tucker from 15-day DL. Basketball GRIZZLIES: Waived Chris Owens.

76ERS: Signed Allen Iverson to four-year contract extension through 2008-09. the oMmLTHE BEST! NEVER sferat'n9 4 Years In Baltimore. HOOD: Named Brian Wall (Mount St. Mary's) its first men's soccer coach. MARYLAND: Suspended RB Sam Maldonado indefinitely for violation of team rules.

MINNESOTA: Moved football game against Michigan from Oct. 11 to Oct. 10 because of scheduling conflicts with Twins over the use of Metrodome. MISSOURI: NCAA formally notified school it has begun investigation into men's basketball program, which came under scrutiny this summer after dismissal of Ricky demons. NAVY: Patriot League named Emily Castro Runner of the Week.

T0WS0N: ECAC named Liz Gou-beaux women's volleyball Co-Player of the Week; CAA named her Player of the Week. WESTERN WASHINGTON: Announced transfer of DB Wes Rainwater from Washington State. Football NFL NETWORK: Named Sterling Sharpe, Glenn Parker and Solomon Wilcots anchors of prime-time show Playbook that will debut Nov. 4 and run Tuesday through Friday nights. BILLS: Released WR Jerel Myers from practice squad.

Signed RB Nick Maddox to practice squad. BROWNS: Waived FB Kevin McLeod. Signed DB Roosevelt Williams. Released DE Corey Jackson from practice squad. Tennis HOCKEY NHL preseason Yesterday's results NY.

Islanders 2, New Jersey 1 Columbus 3, N.Y. Rangers 2 Detroit 9, Boston 0 San Jose 3, Phoenix 0 Today's games Detroit at Washington, 7 p.m. Tampa Bay at Carolina, 7 p.m. Columbus at N.Y.R., 7 p.m. Dallas at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

San Jose at Colorado, 9 p.m. Minnesota at Calgary, 9 p.m. Phoenix at Vancouver, 10 p.m. PAINT AGAIN! Kryton's Swimming U.S. SWIMMING: Named Skip Kenney of Stanford and Pete Malone, a club coach from Kansas City, to coach U.S.

men's and women's teams for 2004 world championships in College Hockey AVALANCHE: Reassigned Charlie Stephens to AHL Hershey. BLUES: Assigned Marc Brown and Jeff Panzer to Worcester of the American Hockey League. CAPITALS: Assigned Jakub CuttatoAHL Portland. HURRICANES: Assigned RW Pavel Brendl, RW Jeff Heerema, Brad DeFauw, Tomas Kurka, Damian Surma, Mike Zigoma-nis, Tomas Malec and Rob Zepp to AHL Lowell. Returned Matej Trojovsky to WHL Swift Current.

PENGUINS: Assigned Tomas Surovy Guillaume Lefebvre, Michal Sivek, Toby Petersen, Shane Endicott, Matt Hussey and Brendan Buckley to AHL Wilkes-BarreScranton and Paul Bissonnette to jun Men Loyola 4, Mt. St. Mary's 3 Women Loyola 6, Mt. St. Mary's 1 LOCALLY Basketball The Wildcats Girls Basketball Club is looking for girls born in 1990 to try out for the team, which will play in AAU level competition.

Call coach Roosevelt Lee at 410-456-9131 or Vanessa Chaplin at 410-484-2753 for tryout times and locations. SOCCER COLLEGES ProCraft Midatlantic, Inc. SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE: Named CM. Newton consultant to commissioner for basketball. DUQUESNE: Named Rodney Perry coordinator of men's basketball operations.

GRAMBLING STATE: Announced that NCAA is looking into possible recruiting rules violations committed when football coach Doug Williams commented on suspended Ohio State RB Maurice Clarett. MLS standings Men's soccer 410-737-2022 1-877-737-2220 tnt979909702 Eastern Division PtsGF GA Chicago 12 6 7 4342 33 Met. 10 7 7 3734 30 Johns Hopkins 1, McDaniel 0 Maryland 5, G. Mason 1 CCBC-Essexx 5, Hagerstown JC 0.