USA falls to Norway 0-2

I can't believe it. The USA WNT lost its first match in 22 games to Norway in their opening match of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The USA came on to the field ready to play, but gave up two quick goals in the 2nd minute and 4th minute of play. The first goal was scored when a Norway player crossed a ball into the USA box. Solo went out to get the ball, but ran into her defender, Lori Chalupny. It was then an easy header and an empty net for the Norwegian player.
The 2nd goal was scored off of a looping shot that caught Solo off her line and fell into the goal. The USA had many chances on goal and most of the offense, but they weren't able to score. Norway was very organized and kept the USA from capitalizing on any chances.

This is only the USA's 2nd loss in an Olympic tournament, as they lost to Norway in gold medal match of the 2000 Olympics.

Not all is lost for the USA. They have to beat Japan and New Zealand to advance to the quarterfinal, but they can do it. It is almost better that the USA lost now that way they will know how it feels to lose.
USA defender Kate Markgraf also made a good point. She said, “Norway lost in the first game in 2000 and came back and won in the finals. That’s the great thing about the Olympics. You always have second chances in the round-robin play. We just have to take care of business and have great games against Japan and New Zealand. We believe we can do it.”
Pia Sundhage, their head coach, seems positive on the teams future in this tournament. “My glass is always half full. For us, it is a new experience to lose a game and the fact we tried to turn around and create some chances in the second half is positive. I’m happy that this is the first game and not the last. We still have two more games to go. We will take the good part of the second half going forward to play against Japan and New Zealand.”


Let's hope this team can pull it together and win some matches! Go USA!


(quotes from ussoccer.com)