Norway Rolls Over US, 2-0

After US goalie's outburst, team rethinks the need for unity

(NEWSER) - Hope Solo's infamous criticism of her coach got her booted from practice and competition at the end of last year's World Cup, and depression almost kept the 26-year-old from returning to soccer at all. But now the US team has a new coach, a rejuvenated Solo, and a fresh plan for winning in Beijing, Sports Illustrated reports. More»

After tying it up late in extra time

(NEWSER) - It was another thriller today in the Women's World Cup final, but this time it ended in heartbreak for the US. The Americans led twice in the game, but each time Japan tied it up, according to ESPN . Neither side managed to score in the first half, despite multiple chances for the US. Alex Morgan finally drew first blood on a counterattack in the 69^th minute, following a long pass from Megan Rapinoe. But Japan’s Aya Miyama evened the score in the 80^th, after the US repeatedly failed to clear a ball near their goal. More»

US soccer star would 'give up everything' for a World Cup win today

(NEWSER) - As the storied US women's soccer team takes the field in Frankfurt today, all eyes of a hopeful nation are on the 5-foot-11, 170-pound train in the No. 20 jersey leading her team in the charge against Japan. At 31, the indomitable Abby Wambach knows this could be her final World Cup—and anything other than a win will leave her dizzying career incomplete. “I would give up every goal I’ve scored to win this World Cup,” Wambach tells the New York Times . “You have to be willing to give up everything.” More»

(NEWSER) - St. Louis' showboating, self-proclaimed "loudmouth goalkeeper" is somebody fans love or hate and that's exactly what women's soccer needs, Jason Zengerle writes in the Atlantic. Hope Solo—who refused to wear the "girly" pink outfit provided when the Women's Professional Soccer League kicked off earlier this year—can help give this league the edge missing in the short-lived last league, Zengerle argues. More»

Team beats Brazil 1-0 in extra time

(NEWSER) - The US women’s soccer team claimed Olympic gold today, besting Brazil 1-0 with a goal scored in extra time, the AP reports. Carli Lloyd scored the crucial goal, but goalkeeper Hope Solo was the star of the game, shutting down shot after shot from Brazil’s unrelenting offense. It is the American team’s third gold medal since women’s soccer was added in 1996. More»