HS2AFAWAY, New I Jersey. May 26: [I The United Stall' tes hoping the J injection of European-based pla-

yers would boost their World Cup prospects settled for a disappointing 0-0 draw on Wednesday with fellow finalists Saudi Arabia, reports Reuter.

The draw was the Americans' eighth in 16 internationals in the last six months, in which they have won only four times.

In a match played in humid conditions and delayed for 23 minutes in the second half by a violent storm, either side could have snatched victory in the final minutes.

Saudi defender Ahmed Jamil Madanl headed gainst the post in the 73rd minute and American goalie Tony Mela made a pair of desperate saves near the end.

The Americans had looked much sharper in the second half, when coach Bora Miluti-novic brought on strikers Ernie Stewart, who hit the post, and Eric Wynalda In place of the ineffective Frank Klopas and Cobi Jones.

Two more European exiles. Roy Wegerle and Tab Ramos gave the Americans more bite after the interval.

First Thomas Dooley forced Saudi goalie Mohammed Al Deayea to fumble his low shot round the post, then defender Alexl Lalas twice narrowly headed over the bar.

Stewart, who plays professionally in the Netherlands, beat. Al Deayea in the 60th minute with a low left footer that hit the post and bounced behind.

With 20 minutes to play, the games was suspended because of severe thunder and lighting and the‘5.576 fans In

the open College Stadium were warned to return to their cars.

The Americans had several chances to go ahead In the first half through midfielders Dooley and Hugo Perez.

Dooley hit a glorious leftfoot volley inches over the bar in the 10th minute then missed an easy header in the 40th, when he was alone in front for a left wing cross.

Perez twice forced AL Deayea to make stretching saves.

The Americans offside trap looked shaky, with central defenders Lalas and Marcelo Balboa constantly turned by the speedy Saudi frontline of Hamzah Saeed Falatah and Sami Al Jaber.

Falatah headed the ball Into the net from a comer but he was called offside in the 20th minyte. Falatah also had a fierce shot saved by Meola minutes earlier.

The Americans have won only four of 15 previous friendlies ‘ since losing to world champions Germany 3-0 last December.

"Right now, there's no more excuses in trying things, saying were only preparing," midfielder Ramos said after rejoining the squad from his club team Real Betls in Spain.

The only key US player now missing is midfielder John Harkes, who is still in England playing with Derby county in the First Division playoffs.