RIO DE JANEIRO (Nov. 2, 2007) – The United States Beach Soccer Team fell, 4-8, to Spain in their first match at the 2007 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Despite coming back twice during the match, a late red card opened the match up for the Spaniards, who scored four late goals.

Raphael Xexeo opened the scoring for the U.S., tying the game at one after Spain scored in the 10th minute. In the 12th minute, Benyam Astorga was fouled and took the ensuing free kick from midfield. Xexeo followed through and slid to poke the ball past the Spanish goalkeeper for his first goal of the night.

Former U.S. MNT defender Zak Ibsen added a second goal off a free kick, his knuckling shot dipping over the goalkeeper. Jevin Albuquerque added a third goal, hitting a scissor kick off a corner from Francis Farberoff, beating the goalkeeper on the near post.

Anthony Chimienti scored the fourth goal for the U.S., also assisted by Farberoff. Farberoff hit the ball over the top of his defender and, as the goalkeeper came rushing out, Chimienti took a first-time shot with the outside of his right foot, over the goalkeeper and into the goal.

The U.S. next faces Iran on Sunday in their second Group B match.