SUMMERSIDE -- The United States will take a 4-2 lead into the third period of Friday afternoon’s semifinal game against Russia at the 2009 World Junior ‘A’ Hockey Challenge.

After the United States built a 4-0 lead, Russia answered back with back-to-back power-play goals to set the stage for an interesting third period.

Connor Brickley (11:25), Shane Berschbach (13:37) and Jeff Costello (18:54) scored first-period goals for the United States. Nick Mattson made it 4-0 2:56 into the second period, but Alexey Marchenko got Russia on the scoreboard during a two-man advantage at 10:04 and Nail Yakupov made it a two-goal game at the 14-minute mark.

Russia enjoyed four power plays in the second period and will enjoy a 5-on-4 advantage for the first 1:24 of the third period.

Overall, the United States is outshooting Russia 24-11.

Tonight, Canada East will meet Canada West in the other semifinal. The gold-medal final is Sunday at 5 p.m.