This month in U.S. Futsal National Team History
January 16-20, 1996U.S. DROPS THREE OF FOUR MATCHES AT 1996 FUTSAL MUNDIALITO IN BRAZILIn 1996, the U.S. team was changed from Five-A-Side to Futsal as the squad took part in the 1996 Joao Havelange Futsal Mundialito at the Olympic Arena in Copacabana Beachs Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from January 16-20.
The USA went winless at the second Futsal Mundialito achieving only a draw in four matches.
The Americans began the competition on Jan. 16, playing Australia to a 5:5 tie. Trailing 5:4 in the second half, U.S. forward Charles Adair scored the equalizer with nine minutes remaining in the match.
Forward Peter Smith led the attack with two goals, while forwards Jim Gabarra, and defender Troy Snyder all added a tally for the USA.
Two more goals by Smith and one by forward Jeff Betts wasnt enough as the Americans dropped a 9:3 decision to Paraguay on Jan. 17.
After being blanked by Argentina (3:0) on Jan. 18, the U.S. ended the Futsal Mundialito with a 4:1 defeat at the hands of the host Brazil two days later. Gabarra had the only goal for the USA in the loss to Brazil.
U.S. Futsal National Team Roster (Club)GOALKEEPERS
Doug Petras (Chicago Power NPSL)
Brett Phillips (Washington Warthogs CISL)
DEFENDERS
Ralph Black (Seattle Seadogs CISL),
Sean Bowers (Anaheim Splash CISL),
Troy Snyder (Washington Warthogs CISL)
MIDFIELDERS
Jim Gabarra (Washington Warthogs CISL),
Doug Neely (Anaheim Splash CISL),
Peter Smith (Pittsburgh Stingers CISL)
FORWARDS
Charles Adair (San Diego Sockers CISL),
Jeff Betts (Portland Pride CISL)
Delegation (Hometown)
HEAD OF DELEGATION Alexander Para (Hercules, Calif.)
HEAD COACH John Kowalski (Sewickly, Pa.)
ASSISTANT COACH Gordon Jago (Dallas, Texas)
ADMINISTRATOR Brian Fleming (Chicago, Ill.)
DOCTOR Richard Ryu (Santa Barbara, Calif.)
TRAINER Bruce Snell (Gig Harbor, Wash.)
Written and compiled by Steven Torres.
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