[pefloresjr]

I watched and agree that on the first goal, the second defender (I think it was Krieger) should have been able to clear the ball but it seemed to get to her faster than expected and she didn't get anything on the attempted clear.  It was a somewhat fluky goal.  The second goal was also kind of fluky.  The redirection off of the Japanese player's leg from way outside the goal mouth is the type of shot that almost never goes in.  If it had not changed direction a second time when it bounced off of Wambach, I'm pretty sure that Solo stops it.  The US outplayed Japan overall and probably should have won, but the US did not finish well in the first half and the bounces (fate?) ultimately went Japan's way.  Poor play on the penalty kicks shouldn't taint the excellent play by both sides in this game. 

Cheers,
Pete F.

[pefloresjr]

I watched and agree that on the first goal, the second defender (I think it was Krieger) should have been able to clear the ball but it seemed to get to her faster than expected and she didn't get anything on the attempted clear.  It was a somewhat fluky goal.  The second goal was also kind of fluky.  The redirection off of the Japanese player's leg from way outside the goal mouth is the type of shot that almost never goes in.  If it had not changed direction a second time when it bounced off of Wambach, I'm pretty sure that Solo stops it.  The US outplayed Japan overall and probably should have won, but the US did not finish well in the first half and the bounces (fate?) ultimately went Japan's way.  Poor play on the penalty kicks shouldn't taint the excellent play by both sides in this game. 

Cheers,
Pete F.