Scoring Fastest Goal in Women's Olympic Soccer History Propels U.S. into Quarterfinals
Heather O'Reilly scored just 40 seconds into the game, USC striker Amy Rodriguez also scored and Torrance's Shannon Boxx was named player of the game as the U.S. crushed New Zealand (much much) earlier today 4-0 to win its group.
The U.S. needed a big win and a large Norway loss against Japan to take the group. They got both.
Here's the (edited) U.S. Soccer press release with an explanation of the math involved:
At the start of the day, the USA has a minus-1 goal differential and Norway had a plus-three goal differential. At the end of the evening, the USA was at plus-three and Norway was at minus-1.The USA and Norway tied on points at the end of group play with six a piece, but the Americans finished with a plus-3 goal differential while Norway collapsed in a 5-1 loss to Japan and finished with a minus-1. The USA, Norway and Japan advance out of Group G. In the quarterfinal, the U.S. will play long-time rival Canada, which finished in third place in Group E. That match will take place at 3 a.m. PT on Friday live on USA.
The results mean the U.S. avoids meeting Brazil, a far tougher proposition than Canada.
The U.S. lineup: 18-Hope Solo; 2-Heather Mitts (14-Stephanie Cox, 63), 4-Rachel Buehler, 3-Christie Rampone - Capt., 83, 17-Lori Chalupny; 9-Heather O'Reilly (10-Aly Wagner, 76), 7-Shannon Boxx, 11-Carli Lloyd, 5-Lindsay Tarpley; 16-Angela Hucles, 8-Amy Rodriguez (6-Natasha Kai, 56).
Notable:
*The Kiwis were limited to just three shots on goal.
*Midfielder Christie Rampone made her 200th U.S. appearance.
Quotable:
Amy Rodriguez:
"Today was a special moment for our team. Scoring four goals was a great feeling and getting my first Olympic goal was exciting. I'm so proud of the team and how we performed out there."
About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. The blog of the same name began in 2007. A native of England, he began writing about soccer in the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat in the stands for one in the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
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