Sports briefs for April 29, 2004

Thursday, April 29, 2004 | 9:55 a.m.

Pope's late goal a winner for U.S.

Defender Eddie Pope scored in the 93rd minute to give the United State national team a 1-0 victory Wednesday night against Mexico in front of a crowd of 45,048 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

"It was a hard-fought game," Pope siad. "We hung in there defensively. We created a lot of chances, and we deserved to win the game."

The Americans fielded a squad featuring 17 of 18 players based in Major League Soccer, with forward Conor Casey the lone professional playing in Europe who made the trip home for the international friendly.

Pope's goal was set up after U.S. midfielder Landon Donovan was taken down deep in the corner on the American's attacking end for a corner kick-like restart three minutes into injury time. Defender Bobby Convey took the free kick and crossed the ball to forward Taylor Twellman for a header on goal. Keeper Oswaldo Sanchez saved the initial shot, but Pope was standing close by and tapped in the rebound from about 6 yards out.

The shutout marked the fourth consecutive time the United States has blanked Maxico.

A U.S. lineup similarly built from MLS rosters played Haiti to a 1-1 tie in March, but a full-strength U.S. team is expected to begin World Cup qualifying June 13 against Grenada in Columbus, Ohio.

Celtics pick Rivers

Glenn "Doc" Rivers was expected to be introduced today as the new coach of the Boston Celtics. Rivers, who was fired as the Orlando Magic coach in November, will succeed John Carroll, who coached the Celtics on an interim basis after Jim O'Brien's resignation in January.

NCAA shifts on draft

The NCAA granted a waiver allowing 17- and 18-yeard-old players at Division I schools to enter the National Hockey League draft in June. The players will retain college eligibility as long as they do not hire an agent.

Rebels in MWC play

The UNLV men's team enters the Mountain West Conference tournament this weekend as the No. 2 seed. The Rebels women's team is seeded third. The tournament was to begin today in San Diego.