Hometown Hero Chalupny Receives Key; Slay Declares September Youth Soccer Month

It's official; September is Youth Soccer Month in St. Louis.   The Young Writers of Soccer St. Louis Magazine and Lori Chalupny (2008 Gold Medal US Women Olympic Soccer Team, Nerix Hall) were on hand to accept Mayor Slay's proclamation declaring September as Youth Soccer Month in St. Louis.  It was a special time for Lori and the Young Writers.  Mayor Slay presented each writer with a certificate for their contribution to literacy, leadership, fitness and the development of the soccer community.  In conjunction with Soccer St. Louis Magazine's efforts in promoting this event, Governor Blunt has also declared September as Youth Soccer Month statewide.   Mayor Slay surprised everyone with a special presentation for our hometown Olympic hero. The key to the city! This event was truly a special moment in St. Louis' Soccer History and will be remembered, and celebrated, for years to come.   Soccer St. Louis Magazine and the Young Writers Program is designed to be an extension of the classroom environment; allowing students of all ages to practice and perfect their written communication skills.  SSLM realizes the importance of this basic form of communication and the importance it plays in leadership development.  Soccer has become the number one participation sport in the United States and is a major impact on the development of leadership skills for our youth.   Exciting times are ahead for the soccer community in St. Louis.  Share with us how you plan to celebrate Youth Soccer Month this year.  Send your story and or photos to stories@soccerstlmag.com.  Look to see them in the October issue as we share how St. Louis, Missouri celebrates Youth Soccer Month. To hear the entire audio presentation of the proclamation, visit www.soccerstlmag.com.  Pick up the latest copy of Soccer St. Louis Magazine for what's happening in soccer in St. Louis.  Having trouble getting a copy before they are all gone?  Sign up for a subscription online at www.soccerstlmag.com.   Group Photo: John Hoemeyer (Hazelwood S.D.), SSLM Publisher/Owner Roger Cole, Lori Chalupny, Kyle Cole (MICDS), Sami Holland (Hazelwood S.D.), Mayor Slay, Joe Pesek(Oakville/Desmet): Photo by Caleb Cole (MICDS) SSLM Young Photographers   PHOTO 2:  Mayor Slay, Chalupny and Cole display proclamation: Photo by Caleb Cole (MICDS) SSLM Young Photographers

Hall of Famer Ray Bernabei Passes Away

ONEONTA, NY (September 7, 2008) – Hall of Famer Ray Bernabei, captain of the 2-time U.S. Open Cup Champion Harmarville (PA) Hurricane team, passed away on September 5^th in Orlando, FL from complications of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He was 83 years old and a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Class of 1978. Bernabei was also elected to the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA) Hall of Fame in 1976.

"Ray was a vital person," Hall of Fame President Steve Baumann said, "and it was a joy to see him during the Induction 2008 weekend. His contributions to soccer as a player, a referee, and as Executive Director of NISOA are legendary in the soccer community. We will miss his stories and his smile immensely."

The Harmarville club rose to national prominence in the early 50s as nationally competitive soccer was waning in the Pittsburgh area. In the 30s and 40s very competitive teams and players had emerged from Pittsburgh's suburbs with Morgan - Strasser advancing to two Open Cup final in those years. The area also produced World Cup and Hall of Fame players like Aldo 'Buff' Donelli (Class of 1954), Nick D'Orio (Class of 1974), and Bob Craddock (Class of 1997). The Hamarville side won U.S. Soccer's National Championship in 1952 and 1956 with Bernabei as captain and playing in the center halfback position, essentially today's central defender in the 3-player back line. As the lynchpin of the defense, he keyed a squad that defeated clubs from larger and more well-known soccer metropolitan areas, including the Philadelphia Nationals 7 - 5 in the 1952 2-leg final and Chicago Schwaben 3 - 2 in 1956 2-leg final.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ray is scheduled for Friday at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Victory Church in Harwick, PA. A viewing is being held on Thursday evening at the Charles B. Jarvie Funeral Home at 1607 Pittsburgh Street in Cheswick, PA.

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About the Hall of Fame

The Mission of the National Soccer Hall of Fame is to Celebrate the History, Honor the Heroes,

Inspire the Youth and Preserve the Legacy of Soccer in the United States.

Located in Oneonta, NY, the National Soccer Hall of Fame opened a new 30,000 sq.ft., state-of-the-art multimedia museum in 1999. The Hall of Fame tells the story of soccer in America through artifacts, photographs, video and written narratives. The main VideoWall portrays some of the greatest moments and the greatest goals in soccer history as well as live soccer action from the World Cup, MLS, and U.S. Soccer matches. The Hall features an extensive interactive, youth oriented Kicks Zone, including a kid-sized indoor field, where visitors have fun kicking, heading and playing video soccer games. Unique and rare artifacts on exhibit range from The Dewar Cup, the oldest team trophy in U.S. sport, to the Women's World Cup won by the USA in 1999, the uniforms of Pele and Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly's golden shoes, and NASL championship rings. That and so much more are all at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. In addition to the interactive Museum, the National Soccer Hall of Fame's 61-acre complex boasts the Kicks Hall of Fame Museum Store, a research library, four world-class soccer fields and office/meeting facilities. Visit the Hall of Fame at www.soccerhall.org

Youth Soccer Month Comes to St. Louis

It’s official September is Youth Soccer Month in St. Louis.

Lori Chalupny and the Young Writers of Soccer St. Louis Magazine were on hand to accept Mayor Slay’s proclamation declaring September as Youth soccer month in St. Louis. It was a special time for Lori and the Young Writers. Mayor Slay also presented each Writer with a certificate for their contribution to the development of the soccer community. Lori received a special gift. The key to the city! To hear the entire audio presentation click on the link below. Video is being edited and will be available soon. See full story in next issue.



For more information on Youth Soccer Month click side banner to goto YouthSoccerMonth.org

UMSL MEN'S SOCCER PICKS UP WIN NO. 3 AT FINDLAY

FINDLAY, OHIO , September 5, 2008 – Three first half goals helped the University of Missouri-St. Louis men's soccer team to a 3-2 victory at the University of Findlay Friday afternoon.  The win moves the Tritons to 3-0 on the season, marking the third straight year UMSL has started the season with three straight victories. The Tritons held a 3-1 halftime lead after out-shooting Findlay , 13-9 in the first 45 minutes of play. Junior Blair Spencer scored his third goal of the season four minutes into the contest on a pass down the middle off a field shot in the right of the box. Junior Chris Clarkin assisted the goal. Findlay knotted the score at 1-1, scoring in the 16th minute, before senior Jared Smith gave the Tritons a lead they wouldn't relinquish with a goal in the 28th minute. Senior Colin Huber assisted Smith, who found the back of the net on a cross in the middle of the box. Huber then got a goal of his own in the 40th minute on another Clarkin assist. Findlay scored the final goal of the game, a header in the 67th minute. The Tritons finished the game out-shooting Findlay , 19-14, and landed six shots on goal. The Oilers landed nine shots on goal. Senior Mike Bober played all 90 minutes in goal and recorded seven saves. Huber paced the offense with four shots, while Smith and sophomore Jack McKenna each took two. UMSL returns to action Wednesday, hosting Upper Iowa at 7 p.m. in its home opener at Don Dallas Field.  ----------------------------------------- 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

Fw: Washington U. Women’s Soccer Suffers First Defeat of Season in 1-0 Loss at Chapman

Washington U. Women's Soccer Suffers First Defeat of Season in 1-0 Loss at Chapman Orange, Calif., Sept. 4, 2008 – The No. 9 Washington University in St. Louis women's soccer team suffered its first defeat in a 1-0 loss at Chapman University on Thursday night in Orange, Calif.  An evenly played first half saw Washington U. outshoot Chapman, 5-4, but neither team could find the back of the net. Washington U. took control in the second half, outshooting Chapman, 10-4, but did not capitalize on a few scoring opportunities. The Bears hit the crossbar two times in the second half of play. Chapman (1-2) ended a three-game scoring drought in the 86th minute of the contest with its first goal of the season. After junior Libby Held, Potomac, Md. (Winston Churchill) picked up a yellow card, Chapman's Brittany Botterill sent a free kick into the box, which was not cleared out by the Bears.   Tara Cozens corralled the loose ball, and drilled a shot past Washington U. senior goalkeeper Amanda Boe, Aurora, Ill. (Waubonsie Valley) for the game-winning goal. Boe made four saves in the loss for the Bears. Washington University (2-1) continues its three-game road trip in Redlands, California, on Friday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. against University of Redlands. --------------------------------- Christopher Mitchell Director, Sports Information Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-5077 (Office) (618) 560-9280 (Cell) (314) 935-4600 (Fax) mitchell@wustl.edu (Email) http://bearsports.wustl.edu

Washington University’s Caryn Rosoff Named UAA Athlete of the Week

St. Louis, Mo., September 2, 2008 – Junior forward Caryn Rosoff, Beverly Hills, Calif. (Harvard-Westlake) of the No. 9 Washington University in St. Louis women's soccer team was named the University Athletic Association (UAA) Athlete of the Week, as announced Tuesday by the league office. This marks the sixth time in Rosoff's career she has earned the honor.         Rosoff scored three goals and added an assist as the Bears began the season with two victories at the 2008 Washington University Classic on Friday-Sunday, Aug/ 29-30. She scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime, as the Bears posted a 3-2 comeback victory over #19 Calvin College on Friday. Rosoff followed that up with a goal in the Bears' 4-0 victory over Hope College on Saturday. She moved into fifth on the all-time Washington University list in goals (25) and seventh in points (62).         Washington University (2-0) begins a three-game road trip in California on Thursday, Sept. 4, against Chapman University. Game time is set for 5 p.m. (PT) in Orange, Calif. --------------------------------- Christopher Mitchell Director, Sports Information Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-5077 (Office) (618) 560-9280 (Cell) (314) 935-4600 (Fax) mitchell@wustl.edu (Email) http://bearsports.wustl.edu

UMSL MEN'S SOCCER DOMINATES IN 6-1 VICTORY AGAINST SAGINAW VALLEY STATE

QUINCY, ILL., August 31, 2008 - The University of Missouri-St. Louis men's soccer team improved to 2-0 on the season with a 6-1 victory past Saginaw Valley State Sunday night in Soccer Bowl XV, hosted by Quincy.

The Cardinal (0-2) took a 1-0 lead just three minutes 29 seconds into the
contest, but from there, it was all UMSL. The Tritons out shot their foes 22-5,
landing six shots on goal.

A balanced attack helped UMSL to the victory, with all six goals being scored
by different players.

Junior Blair Spencer scored on a penalty kick in the 13th minute to even the
score at 1-1. Spencer then assisted sophomore Jack McKenna on a two-on-one break
for the Tritons' second goal in the 21st minute.

Senior Jared Smith helped UMSL to a 3-1 halftime lead on a header assisted by
junior Chris Clarkin in the 32nd  minute.

In the second half, senior Tom Novelly scored unassisted in the 59th minute
before freshman Johnny O'Mara added another unassisted goal in the 89th
minute on a breakaway off a Cardinal turnover.

Freshman Mike McCarthy assisted senior Colin Huber with just over a minute to
play for the game's final score.

Smith and O'Mara each fired a game-high four shots.

Senior Mike Bober played all 90 minutes between the posts, recording two saves.

-----------------------------------------
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. 6 Washington University Men’s Soccer Comes From Behind to Defeat Birmingham Southern College, 2-1

Birmingham, Ala., August 31, 2008 – The No. 6 Washington University in St. Louis' men's soccer team scored a pair of second-half goals to overcome a 1-0 halftime deficit and defeat Birmingham Southern College, 2-1, at the Birmingham Southern Labor Day Classic in Birmingham, Ala., on Sunday afternoon Looking for its first win of the year, Washington U. found itself trailing 1-0 in the 22nd minute of the game when Birmingham Southern's Garner Shivers scored off of a corner kick opportunity to put the Panthers in front. In the second half, seniors took over for Washington University as forward Marshall Plow and midfielder Kellen Hayes each found the back of the net. Plow scored the tying goal just 5:30 into the second half, coming from the left side to beat Birmingham Southern goalkeeper Hal Halbert. Hayes' winning goal came nearly 20 minutes later, and was unassisted in the 71st minute and the Red and Green held on for a one-goal win. The Bears finished the game with a 12-4 advantage in shots and WU recorded three more shots on goal than the Panthers in a game where neither team managed to generate much offense.         Washington University (1-1) will continue its three-game road swing to start the 2008 season next Saturday, Sept. 6, when the Bears travel to Fulton, Mo., to take on the Westminster College Bluejays. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. Vincent Novicki Assistant Sports Information Director Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-4709 (work) (314) 614-2253 (cell) (314) 935-4600 (fax) http://bearsports.wustl.edu

ASHLAND BLANKS UMSL WOMEN'S SOCCER, 2-0

Ashland's Casey Synder ended a scoreless game in the 74th minute and followed with another goal in the final minute of play. The Tritons landed eight of their 14 shots on goal, while the Eagles had six shots on goal. Senior Mary Behrmann collected four saves, playing all 90 minutes between the posts for UMSL. Junior AJ Brewer led the Tritons with four shots, landing one on goal, while junior Danielle Dahm took three shots, landing all three on goal. Junior Amy Fox finished with two shots, both on goal. Krista Herbst recorded eight saves in the goalie position for Ashland. UMSL returns to action Friday in its home opener, hosting Saginaw Valley State at 7 p.m. at Don Dallas Soccer Field. ----------------------------------------- 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

UMSL WOMEN'S SOCCER DEFEATED IN SEASON OPENER

TIFFIN, OHIO, August 29, 2008 - A goal by Tiffin's Shelly Rogers in the 72nd minute lifted the host Dragons to a 2-1 victory over the University of Missouri-St. Louis women's soccer team Friday evening in the season opener for both teams. Junior Danielle Dahm knotted the score at 1-1 with an unassisted goal in the 56th minute after Tiffin took an early 1-0 lead 19 minutes into the contest. The Tritons landed all seven shot attempts on goal, but struggled to get past Tiffin goalie Abby Grieser. UMSL senior Mary Behrmann recorded four saves, playing all 90 minutes, between the posts. The Dragons attempted 11 shots, landing six on goal. Dahm finished the game with two shot attempts. UMSL returns to action Sunday at Ashland in a 12 p.m. (EST) contest. ----------------------------------------- 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

Washington University Women’s Soccer Opens 2008 Season With 3-2 Overtime Victory Over No. 19 Calvin

St. Louis, Mo., August 29, 2008 – The Jim Conlon era began on a positive note, as the ninth-ranked Washington University in St. Louis women's soccer team opened the 2008 season with a 3-2 overtime victory over No. 19 Calvin College in the Washington University Classic on Friday night in St. Louis, Mo.         Conlon, who spent the past eight seasons as the head men's and women's soccer coach at Wartburg College, picked up his 97th career victory as a women's coach and 205th overall.         "Forget the win for me. It was a huge win for our girls to start the 2008 season, Conlon said. "We deserved it and played really hard to win a tough game against a very good team. "         The Bears got off to a quick start as the team took an early 1-0 lead in just the eighth minute of play. Freshman Lee Ann Felder, Tucson, Ariz. (Catalina Foothills) scored her first career goal on a perfectly placed ball past Calvin goalie Alyssa Bergsma. Felder, the only freshman to start for the Bears, was assisted on the goal by junior forward Caryn Rosoff, Beverly Hills, Calif. (Harvard-Westlake).         The Knights evened the score at 1-1 in the 23rd minute after a Natalie Veurink cross found Elaine Schnabel, who hammered home a one-timer on a half volley. Felder led the Bears with three shots on goal in her first half, as the Bears outshot the Knights 7-4.         Kellie Honderd found the net in the 55th minute to give Calvin the 2-1 lead. Carly Prins assisted the second goal for Calvin, as she started a perfect give and go with Honderd.         Rosoff headed home her first goal of the game to knot the score at 2-2 in the 82nd minute. Freshman Rachel Haas, Bethesda, Md. (Walt Whitman) made a perfect throw in to senior Carly Anderson, Elm Grove, Wis. (Catholic Memorial), who headed the ball directly to Rosoff.         Rosoff then scored the game-winning goal seven minutes into the first overtime as she took a pass from Felder, and hammered a shot off the crossbar, which deflected off Calvin goalkeeper Kayla Sulzer into the back of the net. The goal for Rosoff was the 24th of her career, moving her into a tie for fifth on the all-time list. She also moved into seventh place with 61 career points. Washington U. outshot Calvin 15-7 for the game, and had a 9-5 advantage in corner kicks.         In the opening game of the WU Classic, Katie Kelly scored two goals to lead Transylvania University to a 2-1 victory over Hope College. Suzi Knowles scored the loan goal for Hope.         Washington University returns to action on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 8 p.m., against Hope in the final game of the WU Classic. --------------------------------- Christopher Mitchell Director, Sports Information Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-5077 (Office) (618) 560-9280 (Cell) (314) 935-4600 (Fax) mitchell@wustl.edu (Email) http://bearsports.wustl.edu

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. The season-opening loss for Washington U. is its first since the 2003 season. The Bears had won on opening day for four-straight years since dropping a 5-0 decision to Trinity University (Texas) to begin that year. With the win, Sewanee evens the all-time series with the Red and Green at 3-3-2. Washington University controlled the game with Sewanee offensively, holding a 25-6 advantage in shots and an 11-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Tigers evened the match in the 50th minute when Jackson Gannaway streaked up the middle to beat Washington University junior goalkeeper John Smelcer. Stuart Maxey's goal in the 76th minute, which was assisted by Kai Sanders, put Sewanee ahead by one, and the Tigers added an insurance goal 10:31 later to put the game out of reach. Sewanee capitalized on each of its shot attempts, as all three of the Tigers' shots on goal found the back of the net.         Washington University will look to pick up its first win of the season on Sunday, Aug. 31, when it continues play at the Birmingham Southern Labor Day Classic in Birmingham, Ala. The Bears will take on tournament host Birmingham Southern at 2:30 p.m. Birmingham Southern defeated Westminster College, 2-1, in overtime on Friday evening. Vincent Novicki Assistant Sports Information Director Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-4709 (work) (314) 614-2253 (cell) (314) 935-4600 (fax) http://bearsports.wustl.edu

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.

-----------------------------------------

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.         Washington U. outshot Hope 16-1 in the first half, but could only muster a goal in the second minute. Junior Becca Heymann, Winchester, Mass. (Buckingham Browne & Nichols) set up the first goal of the game as she lofted a pass to sophomore Laura McGinnis, Park Ridge, Ill. (Maine South), who one-timed it past Hope goalkeeper Kelsey Bos for her first career goal.         Senior Kristen Hilligoss, St. Charles, Ill. (St. Charles North) made it 2-0 in the 60th minute as she intercepted a pass from the Hope defense and beat Bos with a shot to the near corner. The goal for Hilligoss was the fourth of her career.         Junior Caryn Rosoff, Beverly Hills, Calif. (Harvard-Westlake) pushed the lead to 3-0 with a goal in the 76th minute on an assist from freshman Rachel Haas, Bethesda, Md. (Walt Whitman). Senior Jenny Phillip, Nashville, Tenn. (Franklin Road Academy) rounded out the scoring at 87:12 as she headed home a cross from senior Carly Anderson, Elm Grove, Wis. (Catholic Memorial) to make it 4-0.         Senior goalkeeper Amanda Boe, Aurora, Ill. (Waubonsie Valley) made one save in the nets as she picked up her first career shutout. The Bears outshot Hope 30-1, and had a 7-1 advantage on corner kicks.                 Washington University (2-0) begins a three-game road trip in California on Thu., Sept. 4, against Chapman University. Game time is set for 5 p.m. (PT) in Orange, Calif. --------------------------------- Christopher Mitchell Director, Sports Information Washington University in St. Louis (314) 935-5077 (Office) (618) 560-9280 (Cell) (314) 935-4600 (Fax) mitchell@wustl.edu (Email) http://bearsports.wustl.edu

U.S. Women Celebrate Gold Medal

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:

U.S WOMEN WIN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL AS CARLI LLOYD SCORES
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

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roger@soccerstlmag.com sent you a video

roger@soccerstlmag.com has sent you this video from ussoccer.com: Video Description Women's Reaction: USA 4, JPN 2 Personal Message If you are unable to click on the above image, copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://www.ussoccer.com/sights/email.jsp_643-0-VG.html © U.S. Soccer Federation 2006. All rights reserved. webmaster@ussoccer.org

2008 Women's Nike Friendlies Kick Off Wednesday; Schedule Now Available

From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center: 2008 WOMEN'S NIKE FRIENDLIES KICK OFF WEDNESDAY WITH MORE THAN 40 ELITE MATCHES FROM AUG. 20-24 More Than 25 Elite Youth Club Teams From Across the Country to Participate in Third Annual Event at The Home Depot Center CHICAGO (August 19, 2008) – The U.S. Under-14 Girls' National Team will kick off the third annual Women' s Nike Friendlies on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., starting a five-day event featuring more than 40 matches of elite women's youth soccer. The event concludes Sunday, Aug. 24, and will also include a U.S. Soccer Referee Academy. More than 25 of the nation's top youth women's teams will participate in the prestigious youth competition, along with two U.S. U-14 Girls' National Teams and the U.S. U-15 Girls' National Teams. Teams will participate in the U-15, U-16 and U-17 age levels. The two U.S. U-14 Girls' National Teams will participate in the U-16 age group, and the U.S. U-15 Girls' National Team will participate at the U-17 level. U.S. Soccer's Women's Nike Friendlies is an annual competition in which the best youth soccer clubs around the United States in the U-15, U-16 and U-17 age divisions are invited to The Home Depot Center in Carson for a high-level four-day event which stresses quality soccer and player development over wins and losses. Standings are not kept during the competition, in which each teams play three 80-minute games during the four days. "This is the kind of event that the best young soccer players in the country should be playing in," said U.S. National Staff Coach Mike Dickey, who oversees the Under-14 Girls' Development Program. "The Women's Nike Friendlies provide players an opportunity to play the sport in the right environment and for the right reasons, which ultimately helps players develop and reach their full potential." Following the opening match on Wednesday evening between the U-14 Girls' National Team and the U-16 Real So Cal at 7 p.m. on the Mooch Myernick Field at The Home Depot Center, all of the invited clubs have been invited to a Thursday morning breakfast at the HDC Stadium Club to watch the U.S. Women's National Team battle Brazil for the Gold Medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics (live at 6 a.m. PT). The welcome breakfast will feature a number of educational messages and will be hosted by U.S. defender Cat Whitehill and USC Women's Soccer Head Coach Ali Khosroshahin. Every participating team will play on the first full day of the Women's Nike Friendlies on Thursday, Aug. 21. Teams will play their second match of the event either on Friday, Aug. 22, or Saturday, Aug. 23, and will wrap up the weekend with a third and final match on Sunday, Aug. 24. The Nike Women's Friendlies emerged in 2006 as an extension of the Nike Friendlies, held at IMG Academies in Bradenton, Fla. The event has become highly anticipated by college coaches because of the emphasis on quality soccer and the top-level competition. In the largest age group of the event, the U-17s, the U.S. U-15 GNT will be joined by Birmingham United (Ala.), Colorado Rush (Colo.), FC DELCO (Pa.), Irvine Strikers (Calif.), Real Colorado (Colo.), Real So Cal (Calif.), Seacoast United (N.H.) and Surf (Calif.). The U-16 age group will feature Irvine Strikers (Calif.), Mustangs (Calif.), PDA (N.J.), Real Colorado (Colo.), Real So Cal (Calif.), Sereno (Ariz.), Slammers (Calif.), and Surf (Calif.), along with two U.S. U-14 GNTs. In the U-15 group, Crossfire (Wash.), Irvine Strikers (Calif.), PDA (N.J.), Slammers (Calif.), Surf (Calif.), Real So Cal (Calif.), Sereno (Ariz.) and Mustangs (Calif.) will compete amongst the final list of teams still being finalized. "From a national team perspective," added Dickey, "this year's event will also give us a glimpse at the players that will be a part of our future national teams, and most specifically the core group of 1993s and '94s who will try to help the United States qualify for the 2010 U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup." During the tournament, parents, fans and participants can follow the action at the Nike Friendlies at ussoccer.com. U.S. Soccer will also be conducting a Referee Academy in conjunction with the Women's Nike Friendlies. PARTICIPATING TEAMS U-15 Group Crossfire (Wash.) Irvine Strikers (Calif.) Mustangs (Calif.) PDA (N.J.) Real So Cal (Calif.) Sereno (Ariz.) Slammers (Calif.) Surf (Calif.) U-16 Group Irvine Strikers (Calif.) Mustangs (Calif.) PDA (N.J.) Real Colorado (Colo.) Real So Cal (Calif.) Sereno (Ariz.) Slammers (Calif.) Surf (Calif.) U-14 GNT (competing as two teams) U-17 Group Birmingham United (Ala.) Colorado Rush (Colo.) FC DELCO (Pa.) Irvine Strikers (Calif.) Real Colorado (Colo.) Real So Cal (Calif.) Seacoast United (N.H.) Sereno (Ariz.) Surf (Calif.) U-15 GNT SCHEDULE Wednesday, August 20 Under-16 Team                                                            Field    Time U-14 GNT Stripes (2) vs. Real So Cal           1       7 p.m. Thursday, August 21 Under-17 Team                                                            Field    Time Birmingham United vs. Real So Cal                 3        10 a.m. Surf vs. Colorado Rush                                   4        10:45 a.m. FC Delco vs. U-15 GNT                                1        12 p.m. Seacoast vs. Real Colorado                            4        12:45 p.m.   Under-16 U-14 GNT Stars (1) vs. Surf                         1        10 a.m. Irvine Strikers vs. PDA                                   2        10:45 a.m. Slammers vs. Sereno                                      3        12 p.m. Real Colorado vs. Mustangs                          2        12:45 p.m. Under-15 PDA vs. Slammers                                         5        10 a.m. Sereno vs. Mustangs                                       6        10:45 a.m. Real So Cal vs. Surf                                       5        12 p.m. Crossfire vs. Irvine Strikers                             6        12:45 p.m. Friday, August 22 Under-17 Team                                                            Field       Time U-15 GNT vs. Irvine Strikers                        1       10:45 a.m. Colorado Rush vs. Seacoast                         3       12 p.m. Real Colorado vs. FC Delco                        5       12 p.m. Under-16 No games scheduled Under-15 Sereno vs. PDA                                              2        10 a.m. Mustangs vs. Crossfire                                    5        10 a.m. Slammers vs. Real So Cal                               4        10:45 a.m. Saturday, August 23 Under-17 Team                                                            Field    Time Irvine Strikers vs. Real So Cal                        4        10:45 a.m. Surf vs. Birmingham United                            4        12:45 p.m. Under-16 Real So Cal vs. Irvine Strikers                       3            8 a.m. PDA vs. U-14 GNT Stars (1)                       1           10 a.m. Mustangs vs. Slammers                                 5           10 a.m. Sereno vs. U-14 GNT Stripes (2)                 1           12 p.m. Real Colorado vs. Surf                                  5           12 p.m. Under-15 Surf vs. Irvine Strikers                                   2          12:45 p.m. Sunday, August 24 Under-17 Team                                                             Field    Time Birmingham Utd. vs. Colorado Rush               5        8 a.m. U-15 GNT vs. Real Colorado                        4        8 a.m. Seacoast vs. Real So Cal                                5      10 a.m. FC Delco vs. Surf                                           6      10 a.m. Under-16 U-14 GNT Stripes (2) vs. PDA                     1        8 a.m. Slammers vs. Real So Cal                              2        8 a.m. Surf vs. Mustangs                                          6        8 a.m. Real Colorado vs. U-14 GNT Stars (1)         2     10 a.m. Irvine Strikers vs. Sereno                              4     12 p.m. Under-15 Irvine Strikers vs. Mustangs                           3       8 a.m. Crossfire vs. Surf                                           1      10 a.m. Slammers vs. Sereno                                      3      10 a.m. PDA vs. Real So Cal                                      4      10 a.m. - www.ussoccer.com - **************************************************************** U.S. Soccer Federation, 1801 S. 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Olympic Soccer Match Report: U.S. Women's National Team vs. Japan in 2008 Olympic Semifinal

From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center:

U.S. WOMEN ADVANCE TO FOURTH GOLD MEDAL MATCH
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

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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

• 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.

JAPAN RISES TO TOP OF ASIA: Japan's run to the semifinal has perhaps signaled a shift in power in Asia. Japan finished third at the 2008 Asian Women's Championships behind China and North Korea, but its run in the Olympics may be a harbinger for future world and Asian tournaments. Certainly the China and North Korea would have been favored over the Japanese to advance furthest in the tournament, but some fantastic soccer and tremendous heart from Japan has produced seven goals over the last two games and a ton of confidence for the Nadeshiko. If Japan wins the semifinal, the three victories will mark its most ever in a FIFA world championship.

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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