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Teamwork, more than anything else, was what sent the U.S. women’s soccer team to the top of the world and Olympic gold in Beijing. Like the Argentine men did, the U.S. women defended their 2004 Olympic championship.
“We all believed in each other and we believed we could do it,” said midfielder Lindsey Tarpley. “We all played our roles to the best of our abilities.”
The U.S. women’s team had won gold in Olympic soccer before (1998, 2004), but the top forward on the squad, Abby Wambach, broke her leg just before the team left to compete in China. Even before her injury, many around the world began to think the Americans had been surpassed by Brazil, since that team had defeated the U.S. by four goals in the 2007 Women’s World Cup.
Group play got off to a rough start when the U.S. women lost to Norway, 2-0. Yet under the guidance of new coach Pia Sundage, the players bounced back and defeated Japan 1-0 and New Zealand 4-0.
“We had a huge challenge in front of us and we found a way to win,” Tarpley explained. “After losing to Norway in that first game we did a great job of regrouping.”
In the quarterfinals, the U.S. and Canada went to extra time before substitute Natasha Kai scored the winner to advance the U.S. to the semifinals. There the American players faced Japan for the second time in the tournament. Although Japan jumped out to an early lead, the U.S. team fought back, and scored four goals in the victory.
Finally, the U.S. faced Brazil in the gold medal match. Late in the match, U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo made an amazing save of a close shot from Marta to keep the game scoreless. In extra time, midfielder Carli Lloyd hammered home the winner from outside the box.
No one believed in the new generation of U.S. players more than their coach. “I am so proud,” said Sundhage after the win.
Youthful and talented players combined with experienced performers on the U.S. team. Amy Rodríguez, a player who is still in college, had the assist on the winning goal in the gold medal match.
“The young players did an exceptional job of stepping up,” Tarpley said. “They are a huge reason for why this team is so successful.”
Now the winning women have another goal to accomplish as they help to launch a new soccer league in the U.S – Women’s Professional Soccer – in 2009. “There are a lot of girls who have that dream to play and I hope that we can help fulfill them,” said Solo.
With teamwork and dedication, anything is possible.
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