Sports briefs for October 11, 2004

Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004 | 9:53 a.m.

U.S. can advance in World Cup qualifying

A victory Wednesday against Panama and the United States is in.

Into the regional finals of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, that is. The Americans lead their group with eight points off two wins and two ties. By beating the Panamanians at RFK Stadium in Washington, the U.S. squad will secure a spot in the final six of CONCACAF qualifying, with the top three performers in that round grabbing spots for the tournament in Germany.

Of course, the Americans will need a far better effort against Panama than they gave the last time the teams met, on Sept. 8. Cobi Jones' goal in injury time rescued the Americans, giving them a 1-1 tie despite playing poorly.

What the United States needs is something similar to Saturday's 2-0 victory at El Salvador.

"We finished this round without losing a game on the road, so I think that is a big plus for our team," coach Bruce Arena said. "Now we have Panama and Jamaica in home games."

Peirsol leads U.S.

Aaron Peirsol set a world record in the 200-meter short course backstroke, then led off a U.S. team that set another world record in the 400-meter medley relay at the world championship meet in Indianapolis. Peirsol, Brendan Hansen, Ian Crocker and Jason Lezak teamed for the relay record, just as they did at the Athens Olympics. The world record was the fourth of the championship and gave the United States a record 21 gold medals out of 40 events.

Mauresmo out

Top-ranked Amelie Mauresmo of France withdrew from the Kremlin Cup in Moscow a day after a thigh injury forced her to quit during a final in Germany against Lindsay Davenport.

Two more to Europe

Nashville Predators right winger Adam Hall and Buffalo Sabres center Tim Connolly signed with European teams, making it 200 NHL players who have headed overseas during the lockout.

UNLV tickets on sale

UNLV announced that tickets for all men's and women' s games have gone on sale.