SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Another U.S. game, another Maureen moment.

 Maureen O'Toole, the 39-year-old American who came back to the sport for one Olympic shot, scored the goal that put the United States ahead to stay in a 7-5 water polo victory over Russia in the Sydney Games on Monday night (Monday morning EDT).

 If anyone thought the tournament's oldest player would have a limited role in her first and only Olympics, forget it.

 O'Toole's goal against the Netherlands was the winner in the Americans' opening contest at the first-ever women's water polo tournament. O'Toole's sprint and fast-break assist to Robin Beauregard capped a three-goal U.S. comeback in the last two minutes to tie Canada 8-8 on Sunday night.

 In this one, O'Toole rose up from her inside position to throw in a pass from Coralie Simmons with 3:32 to go in the third period and give America a 5-4 lead.

 O'Toole, who coach Guy Baker called the Michael Jordan of her sport, finished with a flare -- a beautiful catch-and-spin move past Russian keeper Marina Akobia for the American's final goal.

 The United States moved to the top of the standings with the victory at 2-0-1. The Americans next take on Australia, a 5-4 loser to the Netherlands earlier, in a showdown of medals favorites at the Ryde Leisure Aquatic Center.

 Russia gave the United States a brief flashback to a night earlier, when Canada squandered an 8-5 lead with some conservative, work-the-clock play. Katerina Anikeeva scored with 1:35 left, then Elena Tokoun stole the ball and swam uncontested toward the U.S. goal. But Tokoun couldn't gather the ball and goalie Benice Orwig stuffed her at the goal line.

 Simmons had three goals to lead the United States. It was the first multiple-goal game for O'Toole, who during her prime would pound in five or six a game for the Americans.

 That's why she won 15 national MVPs and six world MVPs. But convinced Olympic water polo would stay men only, she retired in 1994.

 Three years later, O'Toole was back after Sydney organizers planned the first women's event. It didn't take O'Toole long to regain stardom -- she was the American water polo female athlete of the year in 1998 -- and she has carried her strong play into the Olympics.

 The United States' victory puts it in great shape for the medals round. After Australia, the Americans face winless Kazakstan, considered the weakest of the six teams here, before the semifinals on Friday.