. The home side created most of the chances but struggled to break

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Once again, the United States got off to a slow start.And again, the Americans regained their composure and knocked off a world power at the Olympics, claiming their second straight win against a top-three team in womens field hockey by beating No. 3 Australia 2-1 on Monday.Michelle Vittese and Caitlin van Sickle scored for the Americans, who defeated No. 2 Argentina 2-1 in their Olympic opener on Saturday.The Americans said their ability to bounce back has been consistent.I think thats just kind of our DNA, van Sickle said. We dont have the greatest start. Were always going to keep coming and keep coming after you.United States goalie Jackie Briggs had six saves and allowed just one goal on 15 shots. Australia couldnt convert any of its four penalty corners against her. The crowd chanted, Jackie! Jackie! after the match.The fifth-ranked Americans, who lead Pool B with six points, moved closer to qualifying for the quarterfinals. The top four teams in each six-team pool advance. The United States has the maximum point total two games into pool play and already has played the two highest-ranked teams. The Americans say that wont affect their focus as they prepare to play Japan on Wednesday.We literally focus on just one game at a time, van Sickle said. We dont necessarily look at the draw. Youve got to play every team in your pool, so it doesnt really matter.The Americans havent medaled since 1984, and Argentina and Australia have been good for years while the United States is an emerging program. But the United States beat Australia for third place at the Champions Trophy event in June, fueling the teams confidence heading into the Rio de Janeiro Games.Its not the underdog, its not whatever, its just us, united as strong and resilient and gritty, Vittese said.The Americans dealt a major blow to Australia. The Hockeyroos dropped their opener to Britain 2-1 on Saturday and now have zero points with three pool play matches remaining. They play India next.Its managing the distractions in the (Olympic) Village, managing the distractions of the other results going on in the competition, Australias Georgie Parker said. Were going to be scouting really hard against India preparing as well as we can, making sure we do that right recovery, and everything will go smoothly from there, we hope.This one was especially rough for Australia because it was hit with two yellow cards and a green card in the third period alone, forcing the Hockeyroos to play short-handed.We are a really physical side and were very aggressive in going for the ball, so sometimes you do have some casualties along the way, Parker said. I guess its about managing to get the right balance of being aggressive at the ball with playing within the rules.The United States spent the early part of the match defending its goal as the aggressive Australian attack put the Americans on their heels. Briggs stopped four shots in the first period, and the match remained scoreless.Vittese scored on a penalty corner to put the United States up 1-0 in the second period. The Americans went up 2-0 in the third period when van Sickle scored on a penalty corner. There was a video referral because the pass near the goal was high, but it was not considered and the goal was upheld.Australia came back less than two minutes later with a goal by Kathryn Slattery.The Hockeyroos got another penalty corner with two minutes remaining in the fourth period, but Briggs deflected a shot high.We just took it moment by moment, Briggs said, tried to stay in the moment and not think about, `Oh, theres only so much time left and the score.---Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter (at)CliffBruntAP Ted Lindsay Red Wings Jersey . The return match will take place next Wednesday. Udinese leads Fiorentina 2-1 in the other semifinal. Napoli staged a second-half comeback from two goals down after Gervinhos opener and a stunning strike from Kevin Strootman. Trevor Daley Red Wings Jersey . General manager Jarmo Kekalainen told Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch on Friday that he wants to see Gaboriks contributions go beyond the scoresheet before considering a long-term deal for the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent. http://www.redwingshockeyauthentic.com/kris-draper-jersey/ .com) - Yankee Stadium is the home of the Bronx Bombers, but on Sunday afternoon it will open its gates to host the latest addition of the Hudson River Rivalry. Chris Chelios Red Wings Jersey . -- Jimmy Walkers first PGA Tour trophy came with a special gift tucked inside. Curtis Joseph Red Wings Jersey . The home side created most of the chances but struggled to break down Braunschweigs resilient defence, resulting in the Bundesligas 1,000th scoreless draw. OMAHA, Neb. -- Longtime Omaha World-Herald sports writer Steve Pivovar has died. He was 63.Sue Pivovar said her husband died at a hospital Wednesday. He had battled kidney cancer for nine months and, more recently, pneumonia.Steve Pivovar worked more than 40 years for the World-Herald . The Omaha native covered a wide range of beats, most recently Creighton University sports, and was considered an authority on the history of the College World Series.Pivovar covered the CWS for four decades and wrote a book about Rosenblattt Stadium, where the CWS was played until 2010.ddddddddddddThe NCAA paid tribute to Pivovar on June 20 during what would have been the 500th consecutive CWS game staffed by Pivovar. PIV, as he was known, was etched behind home plate and along the foul lines. A press box seat was left empty in his honor throughout the tournament.---This version corrects Pivovars age to 63 in the first paragraph. ' ' '