Monday, March 17, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
"It's good to get three goals, and it's important to win with a big goal differential," said Agoos, whose precise corner kick set up one U.S. goal Sunday in a 3-0 home-opening victory over Canada before 28,896 at Stanford Stadium.
The Americans broke a seven-game overall winless streak and stayed unbeaten (1-0-1) in the World Cup qualifying region for North, Central America and Caribbean nations.
Canada (0-2) has been outscored 7-0 in two qualifying games, but looks forward to a three-game homestand beginning April 6 in Vancouver against El Salvador.
"The encouraging aspect is that it's still in our hands," Canada coach Bob Lenarduzzi said. "But I think we handed them (the U.S.) this one on a platter."
The U.S. is 9-10-7 all-time against Canada, but Sunday's goal differential was the largest since a 6-1 U.S. victory over Canada in November 1926.
Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica round out the CONCACAF region. Mexico tied Costa Rica 0-0 Sunday and leads the group on goal differential. The top three finishers advance to the 1998 World Cup in France.
Eric Wynalda steered right through Canada's defense to steady the U.S. team's course, scoring in the eighth minute on a penalty kick after he was driven to the ground in the penalty box by Canada goalkeeper Craig Forrest.
"The fact that he could go through unchallenged, get past our guys, and get into the penalty box disturbs me," Lenarduzzi said.
When Wynalda weaved his way into the box, Forrest had no choice but to go right for him, hoping to meet the ball before Wynalda. But a collision ensued.
"Everybody was over there celebrating the penalty kick," Wynalda said, "but I still had to make it. I just wanted to get the first goal out of the way as soon as possible."
Agoos was moved from defender to midfield and the move paid off. His corner kick set up a the second U.S. goal in the 14th minute, a double-header skipping off David Wagner to Eddie Pope, who looked the ball into the upper left net before Forrest had a chance to cover the angle.
"He's able to go inside and wide," said U.S coach Steve Sampson. "He's a natural left-footer, so he changes the point of attack with one touch."
Down 2-0, Canada came out and played past midfield for most of the half, but managed just three more shots on goal. U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller ran 15 yards out of the net to smother a kick by Paul Peschisolido, Canada's best shot of the game.
Stewart scored in the 89th minute, taking a pass from Michael Mason and finishing off a 2-on-1 from the wing for a 3-0 lead.
Goalkeeper Kasey Keller notched his fifth straight shutout, making three saves, but Sampson seethed over allowing Canada 11 shots on goal.
"This is something we must improve upon, but thank God we have Kasey Keller in the goal," Sampson said.
Both teams were looking to regroup from dismal starts in their first World Cup qualifying matches. The Americans played to a scoreless tie in Jamaica and Canada was dominated 4-0 in Mexico City in opening-round play March 2.
Midfielder Ernie Stewart picked up his second yellow card late in the first half and will miss next Sunday's game at Costa Rica. Sampson put the best spin possible on it.
"At least now we don't risk him getting a yellow card against Costa Rica that would keep him out of the Mexico match," Sampson said.
Wagner, who lives in Los Angeles and plays for the German Schalke club, joined the U.S. team for the first time.
"I hope I can convince Steve that I can play again," Wagner said. "Getting three points is important for us, but it's a long way to France."
Wynalda now has three goals in World Cup qualifying games. The only other U.S. player with two goals, forward Brian McBride, was cut from the roster by coach Steve Sampson Saturday.
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