It's been just over a year since the United States fell to Japan on penalties in the World Cup final, but they have captured their revenge. For the third consecutive Olympic games, the USWNT have grabbed a gold medal in women's soccer. Japan was excellent for most of the match, but two great goals by the United States earned the Americans a 2-1 victory.
Carli Lloyd was the hero for the USWNT, just like she was in the gold medal match in 2008. Her opening goal came in the 8th minute on an excellent cross by Alex Morgan. The floating ball to the back post appeared to be intended for Abby Wambach, but Lloyd came out of nowhere with a terrific late run into the box and a header into the back of the net to give her team the lead.
Japan had a couple of excellent opportunities to equalize shortly afterwards, but couldn't capitalize. Christie Rampone had to make a late clearance off the line on a shot by Nahomi Kawasumi in the 17th minute, which was followed up less than a minute later by a brilliant Hope Solo save onto the crossbar to deny Yuki Ogimi.
In the 25th minute, Japan had their first of two penalty shots. Tobin Heath stuck out her arm and clearly handled the ball following a free kick, but no penalty was given. Early in the second half, an even more obvious penalty offense was committed by Rachel Buehler, who rugby tackled Saki Kumagai. Incredibly, no penalty was given. Buehler was shaky throughout the match, and was eventually replaced by Becky Sauerbrunn in the 80th minute.
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