August 25, 1997

U.S. World University Games Team Advances to Medal Round After Defeating Ireland, 5-0

PALMERO, Italy -- Maryland senior defender Leo Cullen and sophomore goalkeeper Andy Kirk helped guide the U.S. Men's World University Games Team to its highest finish in WUG history Sunday night, blanking Ireland, 5-0, and advancing to the medal round. The win moves the U.S. into the semifinals on Tuesday against host Italy, which defeated the Netherlands. A win there would put the U.S. in the gold-medal match.

Cullen has earned the starting nod in all four matches while Kirk has earned the starting nod in three.

The Terps open the 1997 campaign on Friday, Aug. 29 when they travel to Adelphi for a 4 p.m. matchup, and then travel to Hofstra for a 1 p.m. matchup on Sunday.