World Cup Prep Against Moldova

On This Day in 1994, a Late Goal Allowed for a Draw in the First Match Before the US Responded in the Second Friendly

Less than three months before hosting their first World Cup, the United States Men's National Team continued fine-tuning their preparations with a series of international friendlies. A concerning backdrop to these matches was the uncertain status of key attacking midfielder Roy Wegerle, who had undergone his third knee surgery since January, creating anxiety within the team's World Cup planning.

The arthroscopic procedure, performed by Dr. Bert Mandelbaum in Santa Monica on Friday, April 15, addressed meniscal damage in Wegerle's troublesome right knee. Despite the setback, both Wegerle and team officials maintained optimism. "At most, it's set me back a week," Wegerle remarked. "Hopefully, this time, we settled the problem once and for all." U.S. trainer Rudy Rudawsky echoed this sentiment, though he remained cautious until consulting with Dr. Mandelbaum.

The timing couldn't have been more challenging for the South African-born star, who had suffered a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament during an English FA Cup match in January while playing for his Premier League club, Coventry City. For the American squad, losing Wegerle's creativity and finishing ability would significantly impact their World Cup aspirations.

Against this backdrop, the U.S. faced Moldova—a former Soviet republic playing its first full international match since gaining independence in 1991—on April 16 at Jacksonville's Wolfson Park. The game represented more than just another friendly for coach Bora Milutinovic, who used each game to finalize his 22-man World Cup roster.

The Americans dominated possession throughout the first half against the defensive-minded Moldovans, outshooting them 12-2, but struggled to find the breakthrough. It wasn't until the 47th minute that Mike Sorber broke the deadlock with a powerful 25-yard strike off a Hugo Perez pass, notching just his second career international goal.

With the 1-0 lead secured, the United States maintained control through effective ball possession, seemingly heading toward a much-needed victory. However, disaster struck in the 85th minute when defender Alexi Lalas pulled down Andrei Stroenco from behind during a breakaway in the penalty area, earning a red card and conceding a penalty. Vladimir Kosse converted the spot kick, his shot bouncing in off the left post beyond goalkeeper Brad Friedel, securing a 1-1 draw for the visitors.

For the Americans, the late equalizer was deeply disappointing. "In my opinion, we need to win these games," lamented defender Janusz Michallik afterward. "What happens if we do this in the World Cup?" The draw marked the U.S. team's third consecutive stalemate and seventh in ten matches—an unsettling pattern with the World Cup looming.

The modest crowd of 6,103, gathered in a minor league baseball stadium (the nearby Gator Bowl was undergoing renovations for the NFL's expansion Jacksonville Jaguars), witnessed a U.S. team still struggling to find its attacking rhythm. Despite flashes of brilliance—particularly in the second half when the Americans displayed impressive ball control with one-touch passing—the match highlighted persistent offensive challenges.

Four days later, on April 20, the teams met again at Davidson College in North Carolina, where the Americans delivered a vastly improved performance. With 21-year-old midfielder Claudio Reyna making his first start, the U.S. finally broke their scoring drought emphatically with a convincing 3-0 victory.

Frank Klopas set the tone early, scoring three minutes into the match with a powerful strike to the upper left corner—his first international goal since September 1991. Defender Mike Lapper added his first international goal five minutes before halftime, crediting Reyna's hustle for creating the opportunity. Reyna himself capped the scoring midway through the second half, heading home a perfect cross from Mike Burns.

"Claudio really links our midfielders with our front line so effectively," assistant coach Steve Sampson praised afterward. "We're two different teams with him and without him." The three-goal outburst represented the Americans' highest-scoring match of the year and ended a frustrating nine-game winless streak (2-3-6).

The moment was particularly sweet for Reyna, who had led the University of Virginia to three consecutive national championships—including two title victories on this field. "I was a little nervous. I had butterflies this morning," the young midfielder admitted. "Coming back to Davidson was special. I'm just glad I got a goal."

With the World Cup opener against Switzerland scheduled for June 18 in Detroit, Milutinovic faced crucial roster decisions before the June 3 deadline. The team was slated to face Mexico on June 4 in Pasadena for their final pre-World Cup exhibition, giving players one last opportunity to impress.

Meanwhile, the coaching staff remained hopeful about Wegerle's recovery timeline. "I expect he will be ready. I know it's difficult, but I hope," Milutinovic stated at a press conference promoting an upcoming exhibition against German Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich. For a team still finding its offensive identity, Wegerle's return would significantly boost their World Cup aspirations on home soil.