FUSSEN, Germany – The United States moved into a tie for first place with the Soviet Union by beating Switzerland 5-1 on Sunday at the World Junior Hockey Championships.

The Americans and Soviets each have three wins in the eight-country round-robin championship. The Soviets downed Finland 4-1.

Canada, the two-time defending champion, fell one point behind the two leaders when it was tied 2-2 by Sweden, which tied the game with seven seconds to play. In Sunday’s other game, Czechoslovakia got its first victory by beating winless Germany 8-2.

The Americans were led by defenseman Scott Lachance, on loan from the Olympic team, who had the go-ahead goal and led a solid defensive effort.

Lachance, who was picked fourth overall in the 1991 NHL draft by the New York Islanders, says he’s using this tournament to prepare for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

“This is definitely a confidence builder. It’s nice to get a lot of ice time and it’s a great experience,” Lachance said.

As they did against Germany, the Americans got off to a slow start and trailed 1-0 after one period with Bjorn Schneider scoring 32 seconds after the opening faceoff.

“We came on a little slow but we picked it up and got stron “We came on a little slow but we picked it up and got stronger and stronger as the game went on,” LaChance said. “From here on in, we’re treating every game like a medal game.”

Pat Peake, Washington’s first-round choice in the 1991 draft, tied it 44 seconds into the second period and Lachance scored the winner at 12:38.

Three goals in a little over four minutes midway through the third period iced the victory. John Lilley scored at 11:05 and Brian Ralston followed with his goal 39 seconds later. Jim Campbell rounded out the scoring at 15:54.

Even though the Americans are tied for first, coach Walt Kyle wasn’t looking too far ahead. “We haven’t won anything yet but we’re definitely here to win a medal.”

Because of their fourth-place finish last year, the Americans have had an easy early schedule. But the competition gets tougher starting Monday when they play Sweden in Kaufbeuern.

Lachance said the Americans are getting geared up to play Canada on New Year’s Day.

“Canada is always a big game for us. It’s pretty hard not to look down at the schedule and think of them,” he said. U.S., 5-1

(Sunday At Fussen, Germany) Switzerland 1 0 0 – 1 U.S. 0 2 3 – 5

First Period – 1, Switzerland, Schneider, :32. Penalties – Sittler, U.S. (slashing), 2:59; Luthi, Swi (tripping), 5:13; Bayer, Swi (crossing), 5:31; Campbell, U.S. (tripping), 10:45.

Second Period – 2, United States, Peake (Rolston, Bilodeau), :44. 3, United States, Lachance (Campbell), 12:38 (pp). Penalties – Bilodeau, U.S. (cross-checking), 4:13; Peake, U.S. (holding), 9:52; Gazzaroli, Swi (tripping), 12:11; Hall, U.S. (hooking), 15:14; Lilley, U.S. (hooking), 15:40.

Third Period – 4, United States, Lilley (Brennan), 11:05 (pp). 5, United States, Rolston (Lachance), 11:44 (pp). 6, United States, Campbell (Tkachuk), 15:54. Penalties – Tkachuk, U.S. (elbowing), 7:03; Voisard, Swi (high-sticking), 9:47; Schneider, Swi (slashing), 11:29; Gianini, Swi, misconduct, 11:29.

Shots on goal – Switzerland 10-25-13-48. United States 16-10-12-38.

Power-play Opportunities – Switzerland 0 of 4; United States 3 of 5.

Goalies – Switzerland, Jaks (38 shots-33 saves). United States, Dunham (48-47). A – 1,000.