Wisconsin Soccer Central

Milwaukee Wave forward Nick Perera scored and the U.S. led throughout, but dropped a 5-4 decision to Spain in an opening match at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on Thursday in Papeete, Tahiti.

Perera headed in a corner kick by Brendon Taguinod in the final minute of the 12-minute first period to give the Americans a 2-1 lead. He left the match briefly and needed stitches after taking an elbow to the head.

The U.S., playing in the annual tournament for the first time since 2007, didn't trail until 37-year-old Nico snapped a 4-4 tie for Spain in the 35th minute of the 36-minute match. Lewie Valentine, who had given the U.S. a 4-3 lead in the 32nd, had a potential-tying penalty kick saved by Spanish goalkeeper Dona with less than 90 seconds remaining.

Video highlights

The Americans continue play in Group A on Saturday (12 a.m. Sunday CT) against host Tahiti, which beat United Arab Emirates 3-2 in another opener. The top two teams in the group advance to the quarterfinals. All matches from the tournament are being streamed live on ESPN3.