PREKI PRODUCES THE GAME-WINNER : U.S. 2, COSTA RICA 1.

Byline: Daily News Wire Services

Preki didn't get into the game until it was nearly over, so he wasted no time in making an impact.

Soon after entering as a substitute, Preki snapped a tie with a goal in the 78th minute, and USA beat Costa Rica 2-1 Saturday in Oakland to advance to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The victory before 36,240 at the Oakland Coliseum also stretched USA's unbeaten string to eight games, one shy of its all-time mark.

The semifinal match will be Tuesday at the Coliseum against the runner-up in Group I. The opponent has not been determined.

``When you come off the bench, it's always special to be able to score a goal and win the game and that's what I was able to do today,'' Preki said. ``I'll remember scoring such an important goal and helping us get to the semifinals.''

The U.S. team overcame heavy rains and a sloppy field to register its fourth straight win. The streak began Nov. 9 with a win over Canada that assured the Americans a World Cup berth.

Preki had entered the game in place of Marcelo Balboa in the 69th minute and scored the game-winner less than nine minutes later, driving a kick into the upper left corner of the net from 25 yards out.

``I think Jeff (Agoos) made a beautiful switch and took a defender away from,'' Preki said. ``I had some space and I just cracked it in.''

Goalie Erick Lonnis made a lunging try to block it but the ball shot past him, glancing off the tip of his hands.

Mexico 2, Honduras 0: Cuauhtemoc Blanco scored twice and goalie Oscar Perez had four saves as Mexico advanced to the semifinal round.

Blanco had his first goal in the 22nd minute, controlling a rebounded shot after it bounced off goalie Milton Flores and kicking it into the net for the score.

In the 86th minute, Blanco dribbled past a defender and kicked the ball past Flores as he came out of the box to challenge him.

Both teams coped with cold, sloppy conditions from heavy rains that pounded the area throughout the day.

Mexico will play its semifinal match Thursday at the Coliseum against the Group I winner. The opponent is to be determined.

CAPTION(S):

Photo

PHOTO U.S. middlefielder Preki, front, gets a hug from teammate Alexi Lalas after scoring game-winning goal.

Associated Press