Olympics Update

Saturday, 09 August 08, 06:39 PM · Comments(0)

The US Women got off to a bad start in the Olympics as they were defeated by Norway on their first Olympic match. They made up for it by defeating Japan, and they are still in the running towards becoming Gold Medalists.

The first game was on August 6, at 7:45 pm at the Qinhuangdao Olympic Stadium. The USA was quickly put on their heels as Norway scored a goal in the 2nd minute. Norway's captain, Ane Stangeland Horpestad, crossed the ball into the area. Hope Solo came charging off her line to punch the ball away, but instead hit defender Lori Chalupny and collided. The ball hit Leni Larsen Kaurin on her shoulder and the ball bounced into the empty net.

Two minutes later, defender Kate Markgraf played a short back pass to Solo into the middle of the field, which was intercepted by Melissa Wiik. She dribbled into the penalty area and curved a shot to the far post around Solo.

{Image removed as requested by ISI Photos}

The US came away with a disappointing loss, but they left it in the past, and started to focus on their next match.

On August 9, the US played Japan at 5:00 pm at the same venue. They played this game with less nerves, and looked more confident going into the game. They won this game 1-0 on a great shot by Carli Lloyd from outside the box. Lindsay Tarpley played a through ball to Stephanie Cox, who raced to the end line and crossed the ball to the top of the box. The ball bounced past a Norwegian defender and Lloyd launched a half volley that flew above Fukumoto and hit the back of the net.

The USA out-shot Japan 18-9. Forward Amy Rodriguez had 3 great chances of scoring but didn't finish them off. Heather O'Reilly played a great game, creating many chances, as well as Heather Mitts who almost scored twice, impressive for a right back defender. Hope Solo also had a great game. She made a great save half way through the first half when Homare Sawa shot the ball to the upper corner, and calmly tipped the ball over the cross bar.

{Image removed as requested by ISI Photos}

The US now has 3 points and are in second place in Group G behind Norway, who has 6 points after defeating New Zealand 1-0.

The next match for the US Women is against New Zealand at 7:45 PM local time in Shenyang. Coverage on this game will start at 4:30 am PT, 7:30 ET on MSNBC and the NBC Olympic Soccer Channel.

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