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 Discount Nike Shoes Australia . Thousands of fans at Mosaic Stadium will be cozying up to each other in an effort to stay warm in chilly temperatures and block the Prairie wind that locals say can knock your socks off. Air Max 1 Australia .Y. -- Jayna Hefford scored the winning goal Friday as Canada survived a scare with a 4-3 win over Sweden at the Four Nations womens hockey tournament. http://www.airmax1outletaustralia.com/ . Jane Virtanen scored two, and Alex Roach and Elliott Peterson rounded out the offence for the Hitmen (40-15-6). Brady Brassart chipped in with three assists. Colton McCarthy scored twice, Brayden Point had a goal and two assists, and Jack Rodewald also scored for the Warriors (15-35-9), who were 2 for 5 on the power play. Cheap Air Max Australia Online . -- Nate Robinson has played for seven teams, so beating one of them is no longer a rare occurrence. Wholesale Air Max 1 Australia . Each of Houstons starters scored in double figures as the Rockets improved to 2-0 against the Spurs this season, with both victories coming on the road. They also moved within 3 1/2 games of San Antonio (22-7) for the lead the Southwest Division. FRISCO, Texas -- Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn signed an eight-year, $76 million contract extension Friday.The team announced the deal a day after Benn had surgery to repair an abdominal muscle injury.The Stars are the only organization I know, and Dallas is home to me, Benn said in a statement. In working with the Gaglardi family and [general manager] Jim Nill, they have made it clear that they are dedicated to winning, and winning the right way. Im happy to commit to that process for eight more years. My teammates and I value the passion and dedication that we receive from Stars fans, and were looking forward to getting this season started.Benn, 26, had a career-high 89 points on 41 goals and 48 assists last season. He also had five goals and 10 assists in 13 playoff games.Jamie has evolved intoo one of the most complete players in the NHL, and his ability to lead our team is second to none, Nill said in a statement.dddddddddddd He impacts the game in so many ways, and this signing was extremely important for the direction of the franchise. ... Hes our leader and does things the right way, every day.Nill said the full recovery time for the abdominal injury is six weeks. It wasnt clear when or how Benn got injured.That timeframe puts Benn on schedule to be ready for the NHL season, but creates uncertainty about his availability to participate for Canada in the World Cup of Hockey that begins in mid-September.Benn has 192 goals and 256 assists in 508 career games. ' ' '