AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- America True ended Dennis Conner's America's Cup challenge Friday when it beat Stars and Stripes by 1 minute, 32 seconds in light wind in the last race of the semifinal series.

	America True thanks its supporters and sponsors who never gave up on the team.

Stars and Stripes needed to beat America True to force a sailoff on Saturday with Prada, which it trailed by a point in the standings. Both boats finished with 7-3 records in the 10-race semifinals, but Stars and Stripes had a point deducted for using an illegal rudder in a previous race.

AmericaOne, which clinched a challenger finals spot two days ago and finished the semifinals with an 8-2 record, will face Prada in a best-of-9 finals series beginning Jan. 25.

The winner will face Team New Zealand for the America's Cup beginning Feb. 19.

It was only the second victory in 10 stars for America True, which moved up to fifth place from last in the standings. Le Defi Francais, also with a 2-8 record, finished last among the six boats in the semifinals after having half a point deducted for causing a collision with Stars and Stripes in a previous race.

Japanese syndicate Nippon finished fourth with a 4-6 record.

Stars and Stripes and America True were the only boats on the Hauraki Gulf on Friday, sailing a match delayed after the French boat careered into the side of Conner's boat. Stars and Stripes needed two days for repairs.

Light wind of 7-9 knots hampered Stars and Stripes' chances of winning the race Friday, with the boat configured for its best performance in stronger air.

"It's nice to know we got a lot out of our program, but the bottom line is to come here and win the Cup," Conner said. "We are very proud, we had a very good boat, fortunately, and a wonderful experienced crew."

America True helmsman John Cutler had the stronger start in the race, and picked up a favorable wind shift on the first beat for a 90-second lead after the first of six legs. Stars and Stripes never recovered.

Prada on Thursday night lodged a protest against Team Dennis Conner alleging the syndicate was using sails originally designed by the Young America team, and calling for points to be stripped from their tally. It was not clear whether the Italians would continue with the protest.