SSLM featured on
TODAYS ISSUES
with KRISTI CARSONAshland's Casey Synder ended a scoreless game in the 74th minute and |
Sunday, August 31, 2008
ASHLAND BLANKS UMSL WOMEN'S SOCCER, 2-0
UMSL WOMEN'S SOCCER DEFEATED IN SEASON OPENER
TIFFIN, OHIO, August 29, 2008 - A goal by Tiffin's Shelly Rogers in the |
Washington University Women’s Soccer Opens 2008 Season With 3-2 Overtime Victory Over No. 19 Calvin
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No. 6 Washington University Men’s Soccer Falls to Sewanee, 3-1; Bears Suffer First Season-Opening Loss Since the 2003 Season
Birmingham, Ala., August 29, 2008 – The No. 6 Washington University in St. Louis' men's soccer team was defeated by Sewanee University, 3-1, at the Birmingham Southern College Labor Day Classic in Birmingham, Ala., on Friday, Aug. 29. The Bears took a 1-0 lead into halftime but were unable to stave off Sewanee's attack in the second half.
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UMSL MEN'S SOCCER SHUTS OUT OAKLAND CITY IN SEASON OPENER
QUINCY, ILL., August 30, 2008 - The University of Missouri-St. Louis men's
soccer team scored three times in the second half en route to a 3-0 shutout over
Oakland City Saturday evening in the Tritons' season opener at Soccer Bowl
XV, hosted by Quincy.
UMSL out shot the Mighty Oaks, 15-2, including an 11-1 advantage in the second half. The Tritons landed six shots on goal.
Sophomore Jack McKenna gave UMSL a 1-0 lead on an assist from senior Tony
Novelly in the 55th minute. Junior Blair Spencer and freshman Johnny O'Mara
added unassisted goals in the 69th and 86th minutes, respectively.
O'Mara fired a team-high three shots, while juniors Ryan South and Chris
Clarkin took two shots each.
Senior Mike Bober played all 90 minutes between the posts, recording one save.
UMSL returns to action tomorrow at 5 p.m. against Saginaw Valley State.
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Mary Ann Mitchell
Director of Sports Information
University of Missouri-St. Louis
225 Mark Twain Building
St. Louis, MO 63121
Phone: 314-516-5660
Fax: 314-516-5635
E-mail: tierneym@umsl.edu
No. 9 Washington University Women’s Soccer Defeats Hope, 4-0, For Second Win of Season
St. Louis, Mo., August 30, 2008 – The No. 9 Washington University in St. Louis women's soccer team broke open a 1-0 halftime lead with three goals in the second half to post a convincing 4-0 win over Hope College in the final game of the 2008 WU Classic on Saturday night in St. Louis, Mo.
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Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
U.S. Women Win Olympic Gold Medal as Carli Lloyd Scores Game-Winner in 1-0 Overtime Thriller Against Brazil
From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center:
GAME-WINNER IN 1-0 OVERTIME THRILLER AGAINST BRAZIL
- Lloyd's 96th Minute Strike Holds Up After Scoreless Regulation
- U.S. Goalkeeper Hope Solo Makes Six Saves to Earn Shutout Victory
- Heather O'Reilly Earns 100th Cap Along With Gold Medal
BEIJING (August 21, 2008) – The U.S. Women's Olympic Soccer Team put together a near perfect defensive performance to hold powerful Brazil scoreless for 120 minutes while getting a goal from Carli Lloyd just six minutes into overtime to record a historic 1-0 victory and earn the gold medal.
This victory marked the third gold medal for the U.S. women in four Olympic Games. The USA also won gold in 1996 and 2004 while taking the silver in 2000.
The match was played in front of a raucous crowd of 51,612 on a field made slippery by rain that fell during the entire day and for the first part of the match.
The winning goal came on a shot from outside the box from Lloyd, who took advantage of a nice piece of possession in the U.S. attacking half that saw the ball go from substitute Lauren Cheney to Lloyd, who one-touched it to Amy Rodriguez. The speedy U.S. forward played a cheeky back heel to an overlapping Lloyd, and she took a touch forward before blasting a low left-footed shot into the lower left corner of the goal.
"What an amazing match," said U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage. "I am so proud and I am enjoying the moment." [More Quotes]
The game was a rematch of the 2004 gold medal game that saw a similar result with the USA winning 2-1 in overtime off a game-winning goal from Abby Wambach.
Hope Solo played a super match in the U.S. nets, catching several dangerous crosses, stuffing Brazilian star Cristiane on a mini-breakaway, denying FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Marta on an almost-point blank shot and parrying away a terrifyingly dangerous cross near the end.
The U.S. team played Brazil even during the first half, with both teams producing only a few scoring opportunities, but the Brazilians picked up the pace in the second half. That's when the U.S. defense shined the most, riding a spectacular defensive performance from center backs Kate Markgaf and Christie Rampone and outside backs Heather Mitts and Lori Chalupny to keep the Brazilian strikers off the board despite several close chances.
After a scoreless 90 minutes, the teams entered the overtime period with Brazil getting the nod on scoring chances, but the U.S. defense and Solo would not break.
Solo's best save of the night, and possibly the biggest of her career, came in the 72nd minute, after Marta got around two U.S. defenders and into the six-yard box. Marta had a clear shot from point-blank range, but Solo reacted with lightning-fast reflexes to block the well-struck shot with her right hand to keep game scoreless.
The Brazilian attack of Marta and Cristiane was dangerous throughout the night, using their dribbling runs at the U.S. defenders to create chances. In the 31st minute, Cristiane got in behind the American back line, but Solo came off her line to smother the ball, sending the Brazilian forward flying into the air. Three minutes later, it was Marta who danced around Markgraf and Rampone, but her low driven ball hit the side-netting at near post.
In the 41st minute, the U.S. turned a half-chance into a great opportunity. Heather O'Reilly made a quick turn near the right touchline and lifted the ball up in the air toward the penalty box. Hucles was there to run onto it and hit a half volley, but her shot went wide.
Solo was called upon to make another big save in the 54th minute, after Cristiane and Marta combined again to get Marta down the end line. She cut in toward the goal and hit a shot from a difficult angle that Solo snared and held onto as other Brazilian attackers crashed in for a potential rebound.
At the other end of the field, the Americans pressed forward late in the game as they looked to win the game in regulation. Brazilian goalkeeper Barbara was called upon to make her best save of the game in the 86th minute when Hucles ripped a one-timer that seemed destined for the side-netting, but Barbara dove to make the save and keep her team in the game.
Just before the end of regulation, Rodriguez found herself in alone on goal as a ball skipped past the Brazilian defense. The 21-year-old striker saw Barbara slip and tried to chip her, but the Brazilian 'keeper was able to recover and knock the ball down.. With the final regulation chance, it was Rodriguez again who received the ball in the center of field, turned and ripped a low driven shot right to Barbara.
The American momentum carried into the first overtime period and the U.S. Women got the game winner just six minutes after the restart.
Both teams made substitutions after the goal as Sundhage brought on Natasha Kai for O'Reilly and Brazil countered by subbing in Rosana.
The South American side ratcheted up their attack looking for the equalizer and almost got it in the second overtime period. Following a quick restart, Marta got around two defenders on the dribble and hit a hard shot that went just high of Solo's net.
Minutes later, she took a dangerous-looking free kick from outside the penalty area that took a bounce near the far post before skipping wide of the goal, just out of reach of a crashing Renata Costa.
With Brazil pressing forward, the U.S. took advantage of the counter attack, almost doubling their lead. Kai ran down a ball in the corner and played it across the top of the box, where Lloyd took it on the run and battled through a few defenders before hitting a shot that caromed off the right post and away.
With time running out, Brazil earned three straight corner kicks and the third almost leveled the score. Marta's corner from the right side swung to the far post for Renata Costa, who got her head on it, but her shot hit the outside netting of the goal. The last chance of the game belonged to Brazil as Renata Costa lofted the ball into the box for Cristiane. She was able to get a head on it and drive the ball low, but Solo was there for the save.
Following the 2008 Olympic Games, the U.S. Women's National Team will take on Ireland in a three-match tour, hitting stops on the East Coast and Midwest shortly after their return from China. The Fall Tour gets underway on Saturday, Sept. 13 in Philadelphia at 8 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field, and continues on Wed., Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The last of these three games will be played on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. CT at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. Fans can follow all the matches live on ussoccer.com's MatchTracker. Ticket information for all three matches is available at ussoccer.com.
-- U.S. WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM GAME REPORT --
Match-up: USA vs. Brazil
Competition: 2008 Beijing Olympics – Gold Medal Match
Venue: Worker's Stadium; Beijing, China
Date: August 21, 2008; Kickoff – 9 p.m. local / 9 a.m. ET
Attendance: 51,612
Weather: Rain – 68 degrees
Scoring Summary: 1 2 1ET 2ET F
USA 0 0 1 0 1
BRA 0 0 0 0 0
USA – Carli Lloyd (Amy Rodriguez) 96th minute.
Lineups:
USA: 18-Hope Solo; 2-Heather Mitts, 15-Kate Markgraf, 3-Christie Rampone – Capt., 17-Lori Chalupny; 9-Heather O'Reilly (6-Natasha Kai, 101), 7-Shannon Boxx, 11-Carli Lloyd, 5-Lindsay Tarpley (12-Lauren Cheney, 71); 8-Amy Rodriguez (14-Stephanie Cox, 120), 16-Angela Hucles
Subs not used: 4-Rachel Buehler, 10-Aly Wagner, 13-Tobin Heath, 18-Nicole Barnhart
Head Coach: Pia Sundhage
BRA: 12-Barbara; 2-Simone (18-Rosana, 104), 4-Tania, 5-Renata Costa, 16-Erika; 6-Maycon, 7-Daniela (15-Fabiana, 77), 8-Formiga (13-Francielle, 106+), 9-Ester; 10-Marta, 11-Cristiane
Subs: 1-Andeia, 3-Andreia Rosa, 17-Maurine, 14-Pretinha
Head Coach: Jorge Barcellos
Statistical Summary: USA / BRA
Shots: 10 / 15
Shots on Goal: 7 / 6
Saves: 6 / 6
Corner Kicks: 3 / 15
Fouls: 11 / 15
Offside: 0 / 6
Misconduct Summary:
USA – Heather Mitts (caution) 37th minute.
BRA – Rosana (caution) 106+.
BRA – Erika (caution) 108.
USA – Natasha Kai (caution) 114.
Officials
Referee: Dagmar Damkova (CZE)
Asst. Referee: Maria Luisa Villa Gutierrez (ESP)
Asst. Referee: Hege Steinlund (NOR)
4th Official: Christine Beck (GER)
Sierra Mist Woman of the Match: Hope Solo
U.S. Soccer Federation, 1801 S. Prairie Ave, Chicago IL 60616
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008
roger@soccerstlmag.com sent you a video
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2008 Women's Nike Friendlies Kick Off Wednesday; Schedule Now Available
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Monday, August 18, 2008
Olympic Soccer Match Report: U.S. Women's National Team vs. Japan in 2008 Olympic Semifinal
From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center:
AFTER 4-2 VICTORY VS. JAPAN IN BEIJING
- Hucles Scores Twice, Leads Team with Four Goals in China
- Chalupny, O'Reilly also Score for U.S. Women
- U.S. Face Brazil in Final on Thurs., Aug. 21 at 9 a.m. ET
BEIJING (Aug. 18, 2008) – Angela Hucles scored twice and Lori Chalupny and Heather O'Reilly added goals as the U.S. advanced to the gold medal match of the 2008 Olympics with a 4-2 come-from-behind victory against Japan at Beijing's Workers' Stadium on Monday.
Since women's soccer was added to the Olympic program in 1996, the U.S. is the only team that has advanced to all four Olympic Finals, and for the second consecutive Olympics will play Brazil with the gold medal on the line.
"It was not an easy match as I thought Japan played very well, but we were able to come back from 1-0, and it's due to the entire team," said U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage. "We've been able to get goals from different players and tonight was no different. I'm very proud of how the team performed tonight and now we can look forward to our next match against Brazil." [More Quotes]
The gold medal match for women's soccer will be played on Thursday, Aug. 21, and shown live on USA Network and the NBC Olympic Soccer Channel at 9 a.m. ET. Fans can also follow online via ussoccer.com's MatchTracker.
The U.S. was playing Japan for the second time in 10 days after defeating them 1-0 in Group G play in Qinhuangdao on Aug. 9. This time, it was Japan that took a 1-0 lead. Looking dangerous from the start, the Japanese forced Hope Solo to make a save on a header off a corner kick in the fifth minute, and 11 minutes later got the first goal of the game off a corner from the right side. The out-swinger was headed up in the middle of the penalty area and bounced out to the right side for Yukari Kinga, who drove a low ball back into the center. Shinobu Ohno slipped in behind the U.S. defense, which was pulling forward, and was all alone as she settled the ball and drove it under Solo.
But, the U.S. wasn't without chances early. O'Reilly and Chalupny, both catalysts on the first two U.S. goals, each broke through into the area in the first 15 minutes. O'Reilly was muscled to the ground without a call and Chalupny's effort went wide.
Solo was again called to action in the 21st minute, diving to her left to palm away a low shot from 19 yards off the foot of Yuki Nagasato.
It was Solo that started the play that created the first U.S. goal in the 41st minute. A long goal kick from the U.S. 'keeper bounced once before a Japanese defender was forced to play a clearance wide right in the path of O'Reilly. She sprinted to the end line past Kyoko Yano and cut a low cross back to the top of the six yard box, past a sliding Amy Rodriguez and under Lindsay Tarpley's foot to Hucles, who tapped it into the open goal with her left foot.
Right before halftime the U.S. took the lead for good as Chalupny finished a play that started with some quality possession in the back and a great pass into space from Rodriguez, who was dangerous running at the defense for most of the game. Kate Markgraf started things forward, playing the ball to Carli Lloyd in midfield. She found Rodriguez checking back, and Rodriguez turned and played Chalupny free up the left wing. The U.S. left back cut square into the penalty around a defender and then got a sliver of space to hit a 17-yard rocket into the roof of the net at the upper left corner.
In the second half, except for a stoppage time goal from Japan, it was all USA as the defending gold medalists out-shot Japan 13-6 while adding two more goals.
In the 70th minute, O'Reilly scored her second goal from distance during the Olympics. She received a throw in from Heather Mitts from deep on the right wing, and saw Japanese goalkeeper Miho Fukumoto a bit off her line. She immediately hit a dipping shot with the top of her left foot from well outside the penalty area that dropped into the goal over a helpless Japanese 'keeper. The assist got Mitts, who along with Chalupny hada good night controlling the flanks both ways, into the scorebook.
Ten minutes later, Hucles scored her second of the game and her team-leading fourth of the Olympics on a shot from a tight angle in the left side of the penalty box. Hucles touched a corner kick to for O'Reilly, who promptly returned the ball. Hucles dribbled along the right edge of the penalty area before sending a cross from just two yards off the endline and one step inside the area that swerved toward the net and over Fukumoto. The assist was O'Reilly's second of the game and third of the tournament.
To Japan's credit, they did not quit, and they would add a goal in stoppage time. A cross from the left wing was met by Nagasato who hit the near post with her shot before squaring the rebound for Eriko Arakawa to tap in from three yards out.
But by that time, the crowd of 50,137, the largest crowd to watch the U.S. since a group match vs. China at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, knew the result was going the USA's way. It was third largest ever to watch the U.S. play outside of the U.S., and the 11th largest crowd of all-time to see the U.S. play.
Brazil advanced to the final with an impressive 4-1 victory against Germany, including two goals by Cristiane who is running away with the Golden Boot award with seven goals so far in the Olympics. Marta has also continued to prove why she's regarded as one of the world's top players, having scored four goals – tying her with Hucles as the second-leading scorer in the tournament.
U.S. WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM GAME REPORT
Match-up: USA vs. Japan
Competition: 2008 Beijing Olympics - Semifinal
Venue: Worker's Stadium; Beijing, China
Date: August 18, 2008; Kickoff – 9 p.m. local / 9 a.m. ET
Attendance: 50,137
Weather: Clear – 77 degrees
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
USA 2 2 4
JPN 1 1 2
JPN – Shinobu Ohno (Yukari Kinga) 16th minute.
USA – Angela Hucles (Heather O'Reilly) 41.
USA – Lori Chalupny (Amy Rodriguez) 44.
USA – Heather O'Reilly (Heather Mitts) 70.
USA – Angela Hucles (Heather O'Reilly) 80.
JPN – Eriko Arakawa (Yuki Nagasato) 94+.
Lineups:
USA: 18-Hope Solo; 2-Heather Mitts (14-Stephanie Cox, 86), 15-Kate Markgraf, 3-Christie Rampone – Capt., 17-Lori Chalupny; 9-Heather O'Reilly, 7-Shannon Boxx, 11-Carli Lloyd, 5-Lindsay Tarpley (6-Natasha Kai, 67); 8-Amy Rodriguez (12-Lauren Cheney, 83), 16-Angela Hucles
Subs: 4-Rachel Buehler, 10-Aly Wagner, 13-Tobin Heath, 18-Nicole Barnhart
Head Coach: Pia Sundhage
JPN: 1-Miho Fukumoto; 2-Yukari Kinga, 3-Hiromi Ikeda, 4-Azusa Iwashimizu, 7-Kozue Ando (13-Ayumi Hara, 56), 14-Kyoko Yano (12-Karina Maruyama, 73); 8-Aya Miyama, 10-Homare Sawa, 15-Mizuho Sakaguchi; 11-Shinobu Ohno (9-Eriko Arakawa, 71), 17-Yuki Nagasato
Subs: 18-Ayumi Kaihori, 16-Rumi Utsugi, 5-Miyuki Yanagita, 6-Tomoe Kato
Head Coach: Norio Sasaki
Statistical Summary: USA / JPN
Shots: 18 / 10
Shots on Goal: 10 / 6
Saves: 4 / 6
Corner Kicks: 7 / 4
Fouls: 12 / 5
Offside: 1 / 5
Misconduct Summary:
USA – Heather O'Reilly (caution) 39th minute.
USA – Heather Mitts (caution) 50.
Officials
Referee: Nicole Petignat (SUI)
Asst. Referee: Cristini Cini (ITA)
Asst. Referee: Karine Vives Solana (FRA)
4th Official: Pannipar Kamnueng (THA)
Sierra Mist Woman of the Match: Angela Hucles
U.S. Soccer Federation, 1801 S. Prairie Ave, Chicago IL 60616
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Sunday, August 17, 2008
U.S. Women's Olympic Soccer Team to Face Japan in Olympic Semifinal on Monday at 9 a.m. ET
United States Women's National Team
Notes from Beijing, China
Aug. 17, 2008
U.S. WOMEN SET FOR REMATCH AGAINST JAPAN, THIS TIME IN OLYMPIC SEMIFINAL: The U.S. team will play in its fourth city of the 2008 Olympics, taking on Japan in the semifinal at Beijing Workers Stadium on Monday, Aug. 18. The match kicks off at 9 p.m. local / 9 a.m. ET and will be broadcast live on MSNBC, Universal HD and the NBC Olympic Soccer Channel. Fans can also follow on ussoccer.com's MatchTracker. The Americans have made the semifinal round in all nine world championships FIFA has held for women's soccer, including the last four Olympic Games. The U.S. team knew it would have to win its group and quarterfinal match to earn a trip to the host city for the semifinal, and they did just that, arriving in the Olympic Village on the afternoon of Aug. 16. The players trained for an hour on Aug. 17 at Beijing Normal University and will have a long wait on game day for the match that doesn't kick off until 9 p.m. local time on Monday. The quarterfinals saw the elimination of the host country, 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup finalists and the world's third-ranked team Sweden, as well as the world's fifth ranked team, Norway. Somewhat appropriately, the Olympic semifinals contain a representative from Europe, South America, CONCACAF and Asia.
OLD CHINA MEETS NEW CHINA AT BEIJING WORKERS STADIUM: The U.S. team did not get a chance to train at Beijing Workers Stadium, nicknamed Gongti, and will see it for the first time when they arrive for the match. Built in 1959 as one of the Ten Great Buildings constructed for the 10th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, it was renovated in 2004. The stadium holds about 70,000 fans. The NFL will play a pre-season exhibition there in August of 2009. The stadium has already played host to two first round women's matches, two first-round men's matches (including the U.S. Men's match against Nigeria), two men's quarterfinals and will host the women's bronze and gold medal games. The men's gold medal game will be played at the Bird's Nest.
2008 Olympic Women's Soccer Semifinal Matches
Aug. 18
Match-Up Venue Kickoff
Brazil vs. Germany Shanghai 6 a.m. ET
USA vs. Canada Beijing 9 a.m. ET
U.S. Women's National Team
2008 Olympic Roster
GOALKEEPERS (2): 18-Nicole Barnhart (Gilbertsville, Pa.), 1-Hope Solo (Richland, Wash.);
DEFENDERS (6): 4-Rachel Buehler (Del Mar, Calif.), 17-Lori Chalupny (St. Louis, Mo.), 14-Stephanie Cox (Elk Grove, Calif.), 15-Kate Markgraf (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.), 2-Heather Mitts (Cincinnati, Ohio), 3-Christie Rampone (Point Pleasant, N.J.);
MIDFIELDERS (7): 7-Shannon Boxx (Redondo Beach, Calif.), 13-Tobin Heath (Basking Ridge, N.J.), 16-Angela Hucles (Virginia Beach, Va.), 11-Carli Lloyd (Delran, N.J.), 9-Heather O'Reilly (East Brunswick, N.J.), 5-Lindsay Tarpley (Kalamazoo, Mich.), 10-Aly Wagner (San Jose, Calif.);
FORWARDS (3): 12-Lauren Cheney (Indianapolis, Ind.), 6-Natasha Kai (Kahuku, Hawaii), 8-Amy Rodriguez (Lake Forest, Calif.).
Japan Women's National Team
2008 Olympic Roster
GOALKEEPERS (2): 1-Miho Fukumoto, 18-Ayumi Kaihori;
DEFENDERS (5): 2-Yukari Kinga, 3-Hiromi Ikeda, 4-Azusa Iwashimizu, 7-Kozue Ando, 14-Kyoko Yano,
MIDFIELDERS (7): 5-Miyuki Yanagita, 6-Tomoe Kato, 8-Aya Miyama, 10-Homare Sawa, 13-Aryumi Hara, 15-Mizuho
Sakaguchi, 16-Rumi Utsugi.
FORWARDS (4): 17-Yuki Nagasato, 9-Eriko Arakawa, 11-Shinobu Ohno, 12-Karina Maruyama.
OPPONENT CAPSULE: JAPAN
Current FIFA World Ranking: 10
Olympic History: 1996 (Group Play), 2000 (Did not qualify), 2004 (Quarterfinals)
Overall Record vs. USA: 0-18-3
Last Meeting vs. USA: Aug. 9, 2009 (a 1-0 U.S. win in Qinhuangdao, China, at the 2008 Olympics)
Head Coach: Norio Sasaki
Key Players: G Miho Fukumoto, D Yukari Kinga, D Hiromi Ikeda, D Azusa Iwashimizu, D Kozue Ando, M Miyuki Yanagita, M Shinobu Ohno, M Aya Miyama, M Homare Sawa, F Yuki Nagasato, F Mizuho Sakaguchi, F Eriko Arakawa.
USA vs. Japan Fast Facts: Japan's run in the Olympics is its best ever in a world championship and the first time it has made a semifinal of a FIFA tournament … The USA and Japan will be playing for the second time in 10 days after the USA's 1-0 victory in Group G play on Aug. 9 in Qinhuangdao … Carli Lloyd scored the USA's lone goal in that match on a blast from the top of the penalty box in the 27th minute … The USA outshot Japan 18-9 in that match and had nine corner kicks to Japan's four, but the Japanese got a fantastic game from goalkeeper Miho Fukumoto and created a number dangerous scoring chances themselves … The USA and Japan met in the quarterfinals of the 2004 Olympics, a 2-1 U.S. victory … This match will be the USA's fifth meeting with Japan in world championship play as the teams also met in the 1991 and 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments … Japan's captain Homare Sawa has been one of the best players in the tournament so far … A former WUSA star for the Atlanta Beat, she is Japan's all-time greatest player having played in four Women's World Cups and three Olympics … She has played well over 100 games for her country and scored more than 70 goals … She was the MVP of the 2008 Asian Women's Cup and is the key to Japan's attack from her center midfield spot.
Quick Hits
Notes from Beijing, China
Aug. 17, 2008
U.S. WOMEN SET FOR REMATCH AGAINST JAPAN, THIS TIME IN OLYMPIC SEMIFINAL: The U.S. team will play in its fourth city of the 2008 Olympics, taking on Japan in the semifinal at Beijing Workers Stadium on Monday, Aug. 18. The match kicks off at 9 p.m. local / 9 a.m. ET and will be broadcast live on MSNBC, Universal HD and the NBC Olympic Soccer Channel. Fans can also follow on ussoccer.com's MatchTracker. The Americans have made the semifinal round in all nine world championships FIFA has held for women's soccer, including the last four Olympic Games. The U.S. team knew it would have to win its group and quarterfinal match to earn a trip to the host city for the semifinal, and they did just that, arriving in the Olympic Village on the afternoon of Aug. 16. The players trained for an hour on Aug. 17 at Beijing Normal University and will have a long wait on game day for the match that doesn't kick off until 9 p.m. local time on Monday. The quarterfinals saw the elimination of the host country, 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup finalists and the world's third-ranked team Sweden, as well as the world's fifth ranked team, Norway. Somewhat appropriately, the Olympic semifinals contain a representative from Europe, South America, CONCACAF and Asia.
OLD CHINA MEETS NEW CHINA AT BEIJING WORKERS STADIUM: The U.S. team did not get a chance to train at Beijing Workers Stadium, nicknamed Gongti, and will see it for the first time when they arrive for the match. Built in 1959 as one of the Ten Great Buildings constructed for the 10th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, it was renovated in 2004. The stadium holds about 70,000 fans. The NFL will play a pre-season exhibition there in August of 2009. The stadium has already played host to two first round women's matches, two first-round men's matches (including the U.S. Men's match against Nigeria), two men's quarterfinals and will host the women's bronze and gold medal games. The men's gold medal game will be played at the Bird's Nest.
2008 Olympic Women's Soccer Semifinal Matches
Aug. 18
Match-Up Venue Kickoff
Brazil vs. Germany Shanghai 6 a.m. ET
USA vs. Canada Beijing 9 a.m. ET
U.S. Women's National Team
2008 Olympic Roster
GOALKEEPERS (2): 18-Nicole Barnhart (Gilbertsville, Pa.), 1-Hope Solo (Richland, Wash.);
DEFENDERS (6): 4-Rachel Buehler (Del Mar, Calif.), 17-Lori Chalupny (St. Louis, Mo.), 14-Stephanie Cox (Elk Grove, Calif.), 15-Kate Markgraf (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.), 2-Heather Mitts (Cincinnati, Ohio), 3-Christie Rampone (Point Pleasant, N.J.);
MIDFIELDERS (7): 7-Shannon Boxx (Redondo Beach, Calif.), 13-Tobin Heath (Basking Ridge, N.J.), 16-Angela Hucles (Virginia Beach, Va.), 11-Carli Lloyd (Delran, N.J.), 9-Heather O'Reilly (East Brunswick, N.J.), 5-Lindsay Tarpley (Kalamazoo, Mich.), 10-Aly Wagner (San Jose, Calif.);
FORWARDS (3): 12-Lauren Cheney (Indianapolis, Ind.), 6-Natasha Kai (Kahuku, Hawaii), 8-Amy Rodriguez (Lake Forest, Calif.).
Japan Women's National Team
2008 Olympic Roster
GOALKEEPERS (2): 1-Miho Fukumoto, 18-Ayumi Kaihori;
DEFENDERS (5): 2-Yukari Kinga, 3-Hiromi Ikeda, 4-Azusa Iwashimizu, 7-Kozue Ando, 14-Kyoko Yano,
MIDFIELDERS (7): 5-Miyuki Yanagita, 6-Tomoe Kato, 8-Aya Miyama, 10-Homare Sawa, 13-Aryumi Hara, 15-Mizuho
Sakaguchi, 16-Rumi Utsugi.
FORWARDS (4): 17-Yuki Nagasato, 9-Eriko Arakawa, 11-Shinobu Ohno, 12-Karina Maruyama.
OPPONENT CAPSULE: JAPAN
Current FIFA World Ranking: 10
Olympic History: 1996 (Group Play), 2000 (Did not qualify), 2004 (Quarterfinals)
Overall Record vs. USA: 0-18-3
Last Meeting vs. USA: Aug. 9, 2009 (a 1-0 U.S. win in Qinhuangdao, China, at the 2008 Olympics)
Head Coach: Norio Sasaki
Key Players: G Miho Fukumoto, D Yukari Kinga, D Hiromi Ikeda, D Azusa Iwashimizu, D Kozue Ando, M Miyuki Yanagita, M Shinobu Ohno, M Aya Miyama, M Homare Sawa, F Yuki Nagasato, F Mizuho Sakaguchi, F Eriko Arakawa.
USA vs. Japan Fast Facts: Japan's run in the Olympics is its best ever in a world championship and the first time it has made a semifinal of a FIFA tournament … The USA and Japan will be playing for the second time in 10 days after the USA's 1-0 victory in Group G play on Aug. 9 in Qinhuangdao … Carli Lloyd scored the USA's lone goal in that match on a blast from the top of the penalty box in the 27th minute … The USA outshot Japan 18-9 in that match and had nine corner kicks to Japan's four, but the Japanese got a fantastic game from goalkeeper Miho Fukumoto and created a number dangerous scoring chances themselves … The USA and Japan met in the quarterfinals of the 2004 Olympics, a 2-1 U.S. victory … This match will be the USA's fifth meeting with Japan in world championship play as the teams also met in the 1991 and 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments … Japan's captain Homare Sawa has been one of the best players in the tournament so far … A former WUSA star for the Atlanta Beat, she is Japan's all-time greatest player having played in four Women's World Cups and three Olympics … She has played well over 100 games for her country and scored more than 70 goals … She was the MVP of the 2008 Asian Women's Cup and is the key to Japan's attack from her center midfield spot.
Quick Hits
- Christie Rampone hit 200 career caps for the USA during the Olympics in the victory over New Zealand while Shannon Boxx hit 100 in the victory over Canada. Heather O'Reilly will be playing in her 99th career match in the semifinal.
- Japan has had an excellent series of results heading into the Olympics, going 9-3-0 in matches in 2008.
- This year, Japan owns wins over North Korea, China, Russia, Australia, Norway and the Netherlands, and finished third in the Asian Women's Championships last June.
- Japan has scored a tournament-leading nine goals (although one was an own goal) and six different players have scored, led by captain Homare Sawa, who has found the net three times.
- Aya Miyama, Yukari Kinga, Shinobu Ohno, Aryumi Hara and Yuki Nagasato have scored for Japan as well.
- The USA's seven goals have come from six different players.
- Lori Chalupny, who is likely to start against Japan, did not play in the group match against the Japanese as she was recovering from a knock on the head she received in the first match of the tournament. She is fully recovered and has played all 180 minutes of the last two matches. Chalupny's replacement in that match, Stephanie Cox, picked up the game-winning assist on Carli Lloyd's goal.
- This will be the fourth Olympics in a row that the USA will meet a team in the knockout round that they also played in group play.
- In 1996, the USA tied China 0-0 in group play and won the rematch in the gold medal game by a 2-1 score. In 2000, the USA opened the Olympics with a 2-0 win over Norway, but lost to the Norwegians by a 3-2 score in overtime in the gold medal match. In the 2004 Olympics, the USA defeated Brazil 2-0 in group play and also won the gold medal game, this time by a 2-1 score in overtime.
REFEREES FOR USA-JAPAN: The referee for the USA-Japan match will be the same as for the American's opener against Norway as Nicole Petignat of Switzerland will run the middle. Cristin Cini of Italy and Karine Solana Vives will be the assistant. Thai Pannipar Kamnueng will be the fourth official.
Stat of Note
The USA has seven goals so far in the tournament. In the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, the USA had seven goals through the first four matches. In the 2004 Olympics, the USA scored eight goals in the first four matches.
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Friday, August 15, 2008
2008 Women's National Team to Play Three Post-Olympic Matches in Philadelphia, New York and Chicago
From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center:
OLYMPIC MATCHES IN PHILADELPHIA, NEW YORK AND CHICAGO
Heading to Giants Stadium on Sept. 17; Three-Game Set Against Ireland
Concludes on Sept. 20 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.
The U.S. Women's National Team will take on Ireland in a three-match tour following the 2008 Olympic Games, hitting stops on the East Coast and Midwest shortly after their return from the 2008 Olympic Games in China.
The Fall Tour gets underway on Saturday, Sept. 13 in Philadelphia at 8 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field, and continues on Wed., Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The last of these three games will be played on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. CT at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. Fans can follow all the matches live on ussoccer.com's MatchTracker.
The U.S. Women advanced to the semifinals of the 2008 Olympics with a 1-0 victory in extra time against Canada on Friday, and will face Japan in a semifinal matchup on Mon, Aug. 18, at 9 a.m. ET. The U.S. will then play in a placement match on Thurs., Aug. 21., in either the Gold Medal match or the Bronze Medal match, depending on Monday's result.
Tickets for the matches in Philadelphia and New York go on sale to the public Monday, August 18, at 10 a.m. ET. For the game in Chicago, tickets become available starting Tuesday, August 19, at 10 a.m. CT. For all three contests, tickets can be purchased through ussoccer.com, by phone at 215-336-2000 (Philadelphia), 201-507-8900 (New York/New Jersey) and 312-559-1212 (Chicago), and at all Ticketmaster ticket centers in the metro areas of the three games. Groups of 20 or more can obtain an order form at ussoccer.com or call 312-528-1290. Ultimate Fan Tickets (a special VIP package which includes a premium ticket, a custom made official U.S. national team jersey with your name and number, VIP access to the field before and after the game, and other unique benefits), are also available exclusively through ussoccer.com.
As a sponsor of U.S. Soccer, Visa® is pleased to offer all Visa cardholders access to an advance ticket sale for these matches before the sale to the general public. This advance sale will take place for the games in Philadelphia and New York from Sunday, August 17, at 8 a.m. ET until Monday, August 18, at 8 a.m. at ussoccer.com. For the game in Chicago, the sale will run from Monday, August 18, at 8 a.m. CT until Tuesday, August 19, at 8 a.m. Visa will be the only payment method accepted through the Visa presale and is the preferred card of U.S. Soccer. Terms and conditions apply.
The Fall Tour gets underway when the WNT makes their third visit to Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love hosted the U.S. for their second match of the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, the U.S. responding to the crowd of 31,553 fans by posting a resounding 5-0 victory against Nigeria. The match is a homecoming for midfielder Carli Lloyd, a Delran, N.J., native who won the 2008 Native Son Award from the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. U.S. defender Heather Mitts also returns to the city where she played for the Philadelphia Charge from 2001 to 2003.
Four days later, the U.S. moves up Interstate 95 for the game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Forward Heather O'Reilly, from Exit 9 on the New Jersey Turnpike, and defender Christine Rampone, from Exit 98 on the Garden State Parkway, will join Lloyd as the New Jersey natives for this game. The U.S. is no stranger to the arena, having played four games there, including a 3-0 win against Denmark in the opening match of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The U.S. closes out the three-game set on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. CT at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. The women are playing at the home of the Chicago Fire for the second time, and the first since a 4-1 victory there vs. China in 2006.
The United States and Ireland have met five times in a series dating back to 1999, with the United States collecting an unblemished 5-0-0 record. The teams last faced off on July 23, 2006, in San Diego, the U.S. powering through a 5-0 victory.
U.S. Soccer Federation, 1801 S. Prairie Ave, Chicago IL 60616
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Olympic Soccer Match Report: U.S. Women's National Team vs. Canada in 2008 Olympic Quarterfinals
From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center: USA DEFEATS CANADA, 2-1, ON OVERTIME GOAL FROM NATASHA KAI
TO EARN BERTH TO SEMIFINAL OF BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES
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TO EARN BERTH TO SEMIFINAL OF BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES
- Angela Hucles Opens Scoring in 12th Minute
- Game Delayed More Than 90 Minutes Due to Lightning in the 21st Minute
- U.S. to Face Japan in Semifinal on Monday, Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. ET in Beijing
- Boxx Earns 100th Cap
SHANGHAI, China (August 15, 2008) – A dramatic diving header goal from Natasha Kai in the 101st minute of overtime gave the U.S. Women's Olympic Soccer Team a 2-1 victory against Canada and a berth to the semifinals of the 2008 Olympic Games.
The U.S. will now face Japan in the semifinal match at Beijing Workers Stadium on Monday, Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. ET live on MSNBC, Universal HD and the NBC Olympic Soccer Channel. Fans can also follow online via ussoccer.com's MatchTracker.
The USA defeated Japan just six days ago by a 1-0 score in Group G play. It was the second game of the Olympics for both teams.
The U.S. had taken an early lead in the 12th minute on a goal from Angela Hucles, but less than 10 minutes later, sheets of rain starting falling, lightning cracked across the sky and thunder rolled through the stadium. The match was halted and delayed one hour and 39 minutes due to the lightning. The game picked up where it left off in the 21st minute, but nine minutes later Canada leveled the score at 1-1 on a 23-yard blast from captain Christine Sinclair. That score would stand until the Kai's game-winner in the 101st minute. [Quotes]
Rain continued to fall throughout the match, but the field at Shanghai Stadium played extremely well and the U.S. team had the lion's share of possession the entire match, piling up an amazing 34 shots to Canada's eight.
The action was relatively quiet until Hucles scored her second goal of the 2008 Olympics in the 12th minute. The play started in the back as U.S. captain Christie Rampone played a long pass to Hucles near the midfield stripe. The U.S. then played the ball through Heather O'Reilly, Lindsay Tarpley and Carli Lloyd, who switched the ball from the left to the right wing, finding Amy Rodriguez free just outside the penalty area. Rodriguez dribbled toward the end line and crossed to the far post for O'Reilly, who played a forceful header on goal that goalkeeper Erin McCleod got her finger tips on. Hucles was there at the back post to tap the ball in for her career-high fifth goal of the year.
On the play, McLeod injured her right knee when she planted to make the save, and after a few minutes she was replaced by veteran Karina LeBlanc. Just after the substitution, the referee halted the match due to lightning in the area and the players could not return to the pitch for 84 minutes before getting 15 minutes to warm-up and the match proceeded at 8 p.m. local time.
Canada's equalizer came in the 30 minute after the U.S. failed to control a throw-in in their defensive third. Canada's Clare Rustad tackled the ball away from Carli Lloyd and the ball squirted into the path of Sinclair. The two-time Hermann Trophy winner from the University of Portland hit a first-time rocket from outside the penalty area that just eluded a full-stretch dive of U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo and ended up in the right corner of the net.
Following their goal, Canada dropped into a defensive shell that lasted the entire rest of the match, playing with one forward and looking to counter-attack. The USA's crisp and patient possession produced a bushel of goal scoring chances as the running of young forward Amy Rodriguez caused all kinds of problems for the Canadians, but the USA could not punch through until the 101st minute.
Hucles had a great chance in the 34th minute when she was played through and had an open shot in the right side of the box, but cut her attempt wide of the left post.
The U.S. also had good looks at the Canadian goal in the 65th minute, when a Shannon Boxx header went just off-target, and in the 72nd minute, when Hucles was again in alone and her attempt to nutmeg the goalkeeper with a shot from close range was denied.
Just before the final whistle of regulation, Lloyd played a skillful through ball, curling her pass with the outside of her right foot to Rodriguez, who got a toe to the ball, but LeBlanc made her best save of the day to palm the low shot around the post. Lloyd's header on the subsequent corner kick went wide and the U.S. faced overtime against Canada for the third time in the last seven meetings between the CONCACAF rivals.
U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage began overtime by bringing on Kai for O'Reilly and dropping Hucles back into the right midfield slot. Eleven minutes later, the move paid off as Kai stuck her close-range header past LaBlanc. The goal evolved as Rodriguez dropped a pass back to Boxx on the left wing. Boxx hit a first time, left-footed cross that curled directly into the path of Kai, who stayed onside to beat her flat-footed marker to the ball four yards out, sending a bullet header under LeBlanc and into the left corner.
Forward Lauren Cheney made her Olympic debut in the 109th minute, coming on to replace Rodriguez. In 11 minutes, she managed to take two dangerous shots that went wide as the U.S. looked for an insurance goal, as well as earn a yellow card and help the USA hold possession to mile the clock.
Boxx, whose play in the center midfield with Lloyd was key in the USA's producing so many shots, earned her 100th cap in the match, becoming the 22nd female player in U.S. history to do so.
The match marked the final game on the Canadian bench for head coach Even Pellerud, who earlier in the year announced he was stepping down after the Olympics, and win over Canada was the USA's fourth of 2008 over their northern neighbors, three of which were one-goal wins. The fifth meeting was a 1-1 tie in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying final in which the U.S. won the title 6-5 in penalties.
In other semifinal action, Japan ousted the hosts with a 2-0 victory in Qinhuangdao to earn a berth against the USA in the semifinal. On the other side of the bracket, Brazil topped Norway, 2-1, and will face Germany, which scored twice in overtime to defeat Sweden, 2-0, in the other semifinal, which will be played in Shanghai.
- U.S. WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM GAME REPORT -
Match-up: USA vs. Canada
Competition: 2008 Olympic Games
Venue: Shanghai Stadium; Shanghai, China
Date: August 15, 2008; Kickoff – 6 p.m. local / 6 a.m. ET
Attendance: 26,129
Weather: Humid, Rain, 84 degrees
Scoring Summary: 1 2 OT1 OT2 F
USA 1 0 1 0 2
CAN 1 0 0 0 1
USA – Angela Hucles (Heather O'Reilly) 12th minute.
CAN – Christine Sinclair (Clare Rustad) 30.
USA – Natasha Kai (Shannon Boxx) 101.
Lineups:
USA: 1-Hope Solo; 17-Lori Chalupny, 15-Kate Markgraf, 2-Heather Mitts, 3-Christie Rampone; 7-Shannon Boxx, 11-Carli Lloyd, 9-Heather O'Reilly (6-Natasha Kai, 91), 5-Lindsay Tarpley (13-Tobin Heath, 82); 16-Angela Hucles, 8-Amy Rodriguez (12-Lauren Cheney, 109)
Subs: 18-Nicole Barnhart, 4-Rachel Buehler, 14-Stephanie Cox, 10-Aly Wagner
Head Coach: Pia Sundhage
CAN: 18-Erin McLeod (1-Karina LeBlanc, 19); 3-Emily Zurrer, 9-Candace Chapman, 10-Martina Franko; 4-Clare Rustad, 6-Sophie Schmidt, 7-Rhian Wilkinson, 8-Diana Matheson; 12-Christine Sinclair, 14-Melissa Tancredi (17-Brittany Timko, 46, 16-Jonelle Filigno, 92+), 15-Kara Lang
Subs: 5-Robin Gayle, 11-Randee Hermus, 13-Amy Walsh, 2-Jodi-Ann Robinson
Head Coach: Even Pellerud
Statistical Summary: USA / CAN
Shots: 34 / 8
Shots on Goal: 17 / 7
Saves: 6 / 13
Corner Kicks: 7 / 1
Fouls: 15 / 18
Offside: 6 / 3
Misconduct Summary:
CAN – Martina Franko (caution) 70th minute.
CAN – Kara Lang (caution) 84.
USA – Lauren Cheney (caution) 111.
Officials
Referee: Jenny Palmqvist (SWE)
Asst. Referee: Helen Caro (SWE)
Asst. Referee: Hege Steinlund (NOR)
4th Official: Estela Alvarez (TOG)
Sierra Mist Woman of the Match: Shannon Boxx
2008 Olympic Women's Soccer Quarterfinal Results - Aug. 15
Match-Up Venue
USA 2, Canada 1 Shanghai
Japan 2, China 0 Qinhuangdao
Brazil 2, Norway 1 Tianjin
Germany 2, Sweden 0 Shenyang
2008 Olympic Women's Soccer Semifinal Match-Ups - Aug. 18
Match-Up Venue Kickoff
Brazil vs. Germany Shanghai Stadium 6 p.m. local / 6 a.m. ET
USA vs. Japan Beijing Workers Stadium 9 p.m. local / 9 a.m. ET
- ussoccer.com -
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Thursday, August 14, 2008
Washington University Men’s Soccer Ranked 6th, Women 9th, in NSCAA/adidas Preseason Top-25 Poll
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Olympic Soccer Match Report: U.S. Men's Olympic Team vs. Nigeria in Group B
From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center: DOWN TO 10 MEN AFTER THREE MINUTES, VALIANT U.S. EFFORT FALLS SHORT
AS 2-1 LOSS TO NIGERIA KNOCKS TEAM OUT OF 2008 OLYMPICS
Aug. 7
Australia 1, Serbia 1
Ivory Coast vs. Argentina, 7:45 a.m. ET
Aug. 10
Argentina 1, Australia 0
Serbia 2, Ivory Coast 4
Aug. 13
Ivory Coast 1, Australia 0
Argentina 2, Serbia 0
Group B
Aug. 7.
Japan 0, USA 1
Netherlands 0, Nigeria 0
Aug. 10
Nigeria 2, Japan 1
USA 2, Netherlands 2
Aug. 13
Netherlands 1, Japan 0
Nigeria 2, USA 0
Group C
Aug. 7
Brazil 1, Belgium 0
China 1, New Zealand 1
Aug. 10
New Zealand 0, Brazil 5
Belgium 2, China 0
Aug. 13
China 0, Brazil 3
New Zealand 0, Belgium 1
Group D
Aug. 7
Honduras 0, Italy 3
South Korea 1, Cameroon 1
Aug. 10
Cameroon 1, Honduras 0
Italy 3, South Korea 0
Aug. 13
South Korea 1, Honduras 0
Cameroon 0, Italy 0
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AS 2-1 LOSS TO NIGERIA KNOCKS TEAM OUT OF 2008 OLYMPICS
- U.S. Finishes Competitive Group B with 1-1-1 Record
- Kljestan Scores Second Goal of the Tournament
- Nigeria and Netherlands Advance to Quarterfinals
BEIJING, China (August 13, 2008) — The U.S. Men's Olympic Team fought bravely to overcome being down a man for 87 minutes, but the heroics of goalkeeper Brad Guzan and a last-minute frenzy to score the equalizer were not enough as the U.S. fell 2-1 to Nigeria before 48,096 at the Beijing Workers' Stadium. The loss knocked the U.S. out of the 2008 Olympic Games, while Nigeria earned first place in Group B.
Goals from Promise Isaac and Victor Obinna on either side of halftime gave the Nigerians a lead that proved too much to overcome, despite a Sacha Kljestan penalty kick conversion in the 88th minute and a flurry of U.S. chances in the waning moments, including a header from substitute Charlie Davies that agonizingly struck the crossbar. Guzan made several saves on the night, some in spectacular fashion, to keep the U.S. in the match against a crafty Nigerian attack.
"It's disappointing, there's no question about that," said U.S. coach Peter Nowak. "We played so hard tonight, and we can't express our feelings in the right way now. Soccer can be a cruel game. I am very proud of the effort these players put in. They left everything on the field and never gave up." [More Quotes]
The U.S. could have advanced despite the loss if the Netherlands failed to beat Japan, but the current European U-21 champions benefitted from a penalty kick in the 79th minute to win 1-0 and move on to the quarterfinals.
The U.S. started out confident and promising before suffering a major setback in the third minute when defender Michael Orozco was harshly shown a red card following a minor elbow to Solomon Okoronko. Down to 10 men, the team shifted formation by moving Robbie Rogers to left back and dropping striker Jozy Altidore into left midfield.
Despite the setback, the U.S. remained composed and continued to play organized defensively while looking for chances to advance. As the half wore on, Nigeria assumed more of the possession and began to force the U.S. to defend for long stretches.
The Nigerians nearly got on the board in the 31st minute when Chinedu Obasi created space for himself in the box on the left side of goal. Picking out the far post, Obasi drilled a low drive that forced Guzan into a spectacular diving save.
After sustained pressure, Nigeria was finally able to break through the U.S. defense in the 39th minute on a nice bit of individual flair. A ball over the top put Obinna alone against Michael Parkhurst. The striker managed his way around his mark and slotted a pass across the goal. With Guzan diving and Robbie Rogers sliding to defend, team captain Isaac found a gap between the two and tapped home the first goal of the match.
As the U.S. sought to ride out the half, Nigeria nearly doubled the lead on the last play of the opening stanza. A corner kick was cleared to the top of the box, where Ebenezer Ajilore hit a low volley towards goal. The effort was redirected by Isaac and appeared to be heading towards the side netting, but an alert Danny Szetela stood sentry at the near post and cleared the ball off the line.
The U.S. started out the second half appearing poised and prepared to seek the equalizer. They had a golden chance in the 52nd minute when hustle from Kljestan put the ball on the feet of Rogers on the left flank. He delivered a high cross into the box, where Brian McBride and his mark both challenged for a header that neither could quite reach. The chance fell to Holden, but the opportunity caught him slightly off guard and he was unable to direct a shot on goal.
While the U.S. continued to probe, disaster nearly struck in the 66th minute. Victor Obinna collected the ball on the left side of the U.S. penalty area and used some fancy footwork to create space for a cross. His low driven effort deflected off Benny Feilhaber and screamed towards goal, forcing an incredible reaction save from Guzan to keep the U.S. hopes alive.
The U.S. chances for advancement took a major blow in the 72nd minute when reports from Shenyang indicated that the Netherlands had scored against Japan. The Dutch were the beneficiaries of a penalty kick awarded in the 73rd minute, the conversion meaning that the U.S. had no choice but to press for a goal.
With the U.S. putting a massive effort into tying the game, Nigeria eventually found the opportunity to double the lead in the 79th minute. A nice through ball played Obinna into the penalty area once again on the left side of goal. Parkhurst slid over to cover, and a nice cutback by Obinna earned him time and space to shoot. With no pressure, he calmly curled a shot to the far post past the helpless U.S. 'keeper.
The substitution of Davies for Stuart Holden injected new life and speed into the U.S. attack, setting up an exciting and excruciating climax to the match. In the 87th minute, Rogers used a cut back off a corner kick to deliver a curling drive towards goal that just skimmed past the reach of two U.S. attackers. Moments later, the U.S. earned a penalty when McBride cleverly chipped a ball into the box for an onrushing Maurice Edu. The U.S. defender was tackled at the top of the area on a reckless challenge from Nigeria goalkeeper Ambruse Vanzekin, the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Kljestan calmly converted the ensuing penalty, breathing added life into an already amped U.S. attack.
In the final minute of regulation time, the U.S. earned a free kick 30 yards from goal on the left flank. Second-half substitute Dax McCarty swerved a delivery into the crowded area, where Davies twisted to head a powerful drive that caromed off the cross bar. A minute later, Davies found himself one v. one 18 yards out, striking a low effort that Vanzekin dove to collect.
With the U.S. in all-out attack mode, Nigeria had a great chance to net their third of the game in the 93rd minute when a counter put Victor Anichebe through on a sprint from midfield. Pressed high to help the U.S. efforts, Guzan was forced into retreat mode but won a challenge from Anichebe at the top of the box. Chasing down the rebound outside the area, Guzan challenged for a 50-50 ball, with Obasi ending up with the ball at his feet and a near open goal. The striker chose to try and dribble past defenders, eventually putting a weak effort wide.
- U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM GAME REPORT -
Match-up: USA vs. Nigeria
Competition: 2008 Olympics Games
Venue: Beijing Worker's Stadium; Beijing, China
Date: August 13, 2008; Kickoff – 5:00 p.m. local / 5:00 a.m. ET
Attendance: 48,096
Weather: Cloudy, 85 degrees
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
USA 0 1 1
NGA 1 1 2
NGA – Promise Isaac (Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi) 39th minute.
NGA – Victor Obinna (Ebenezer Ajilore) 79.
USA – Sacha Kljestan (penalty) 88.
Lineups:
USA: 18-Brad Guzan; 2-Marvell Wynne, 6-Maurice Edu, 15-Michael Parkhurst, 3-Michael Orozco; 14-Robbie Rogers, 7-Stuart Holden (9-Charlie Davies, 77), 16-Sacha Kljestan, 8-Danny Szetela (5-Dax McCarty, 69); 17-Brian McBride, 12-Jozy Altidore (10-Benny Feilhaber, 46)
Subs: 1-Chris Seitz, 13-Patrick Ianni
Head Coach: Peter Nowak
NGA: 1-Ambruse Vanzekin; 2-Chibuzor Okonkwo, 5-Dele Adeleye, 15-Efe Ambrose; 6-Monday James, 8-Sani Kaita, 10-Promise Isaac (capt.) (16-Victor Anichebe, 72), 12-Ebenezer Ajilore (17-Emmanuel Ekpo, 85); 7-Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi, 9-Victor Obinna, 11-Solomon Okoronkwo (14-Peter Odemwingie, 68)
Subs: 18-Ikechukwu Ezenwa, 19-Oladapo Olufemi
Head Coach: Samson Siasia
Statistical Summary: USA / NGA
Shots: 8 / 20
Shots on Goal: 4 / 5
Saves: 4 / 2
Corner Kicks: 3 / 5
Fouls: 7 / 11
Offside: 0 / 1
Misconduct Summary:
USA – Michael Orozco (sent off) 3rd minute.
USA – Benny Feilhaber (caution) 60.
NGA – Ambruse Vanzekin (caution) 87.
Officials
Referee: Wolfgang Starg (GER)
Asst. Referee: Volker Wezel (GER)
Asst. Referee: Jan-Hendrik Salver (GER)
4th Official: Khalil Al Ghamdi (KSA)
Sierra Mist Man of the Match: Brad Guzan
2008 Olympic Men's Soccer Tournament Standings
Group A
| Team | W | L | T | Pts. | GF | GA | GD |
| ARG | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 5 | 1 | +4 |
| CIV | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 4 | +2 |
| AUS | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 |
| SRB | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | -4 |
Aug. 7
Australia 1, Serbia 1
Ivory Coast vs. Argentina, 7:45 a.m. ET
Aug. 10
Argentina 1, Australia 0
Serbia 2, Ivory Coast 4
Aug. 13
Ivory Coast 1, Australia 0
Argentina 2, Serbia 0
Group B
| Team | W | L | T | Pts. | GF | GA | GD |
| NGA | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 2 | +2 |
| NED | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 1 | +1 |
| USA | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4 | E |
| JPN | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | -3 |
Aug. 7.
Japan 0, USA 1
Netherlands 0, Nigeria 0
Aug. 10
Nigeria 2, Japan 1
USA 2, Netherlands 2
Aug. 13
Netherlands 1, Japan 0
Nigeria 2, USA 0
Group C
| Team | W | L | T | Pts. | GF | GA | GD |
| BRA | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | +9 |
| BEL | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 1 | +2 |
| CHN | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | -5 |
| NZL | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | -6 |
Aug. 7
Brazil 1, Belgium 0
China 1, New Zealand 1
Aug. 10
New Zealand 0, Brazil 5
Belgium 2, China 0
Aug. 13
China 0, Brazil 3
New Zealand 0, Belgium 1
Group D
| Team | W | L | T | Pts. | GF | GA | GD |
| ITA | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 0 | +6 |
| CMR | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | +1 |
| KOR | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 4 | -2 |
| HON | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | -5 |
Aug. 7
Honduras 0, Italy 3
South Korea 1, Cameroon 1
Aug. 10
Cameroon 1, Honduras 0
Italy 3, South Korea 0
Aug. 13
South Korea 1, Honduras 0
Cameroon 0, Italy 0
U.S. Soccer Federation, 1801 S. Prairie Ave, Chicago IL 60616
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