MISSION VIE-JO, Calif, May 28: The US soccer team, hoping to build momentum and create a gro-

undswell of enthusiasm for the World Cup next year, hasn't been very successful so far. reports AP.

The Americans have won just once — 2-0 over Saudi

Arabia — in 14 International matches this year, with nine games ending in Ues.

Although playing well defensively. the Americans have lacked scoring power. They've been shut out five times and scored only 18 goals.

Coming off scoreless ties with Bolivia and Peru this week, the US team heads into matches against three of the world's soccer titans — Brazil, England and Germany — In the US Cup tournament.

The American team Is. though, a work in progress. Some of the players on the squad now won't be on the roster for the World Cup next summer, with a number of US players Joining the team after playing tn other countries.

A few of those players have reported to camp recently, Including Roy Wegerle, who played for Coventry City in England; John Harkes, Sheffield in England; Ernie Stewart, Willem II, Holland; and Peter Woodring, Hamburg SV, Germany.

Wegerle, who played in the tie with Peru on Wednesday night, said he believes the American team will Improve.

"We have still more players coming from Europe and there'll be changes," he said. We will Just have to get used to each oth<*r. Time will help us.”

Wegerle believes the US Cup, which the United States open against Brazil on June 6 at the Yale Bowl in Mew Haven, Conn, will provide some Indication of where the American team Is.

"Three of the best five teams in the world are going to be there and they re going to give us a good test." Wegerle said. "I think well know just how good we are.

"I also think we 11 get better as the US Cup goes on.”

Hank Stelnbrecher, execu tlve director of the US Soccer Federation, has rather modest goals for the American team In the US Cup.

"Hopefully, we will play well and not be embarrassed, be

able to hold our own," Steinb-recher said." "I'm not even looking for a point; if we get a point, it will be very good.

"It's a test to see how well some of our players do .... but these are the best soccer teams in the world; we have to play well."

The federation will attempt to provide coach Bora Mflu-tinovic any players he wants, Stelnbrecher said.

"If Bora says he need this player or that player from overseas, we will do everything we can to get him. We believe we've hired the best coach in the world and we will take our cues from him.”