Wambach Adds Assist in U.S. 2-1OT Olympic Semi Winvs Germany
Monday, August 23, 2004 | Soccer
Wambach Adds Assist in U.S.'s 2-1 OT Olympic Win vs. Germany
Heraklio, Greece - Former University of Florida standout Abby Wambach assisted on the first goal in the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team's 2-1 Olympic semifinal overtime win over Germany Monday in the Heraklio Stadium. Another former Gator on the U.S. roster, Heather Mitts, did not play Monday.
The win advances the U.S. to the Olympic final match versus the winner of the Brazil versus Sweden match that will be contested later Monday. The victory avenges a 3-0 loss to the Germans 11 months ago in the 2003 World Cup semifinal in Portland, Ore. Germany entered the Olympics ranked No. 1 in the world.
The U.S. scored first in the 32nd minute when Wambach's one-touch pass in the box found Kristine Lilly, who turned in her third goal in as many matches. Germany tied the match with Isabell Bachor's goal in stoppage time, forcing the match to two 15-minute overtime periods. Heather O'Reilly, a rising sophomore for North Carolina, hit the game-winner for the U.S. in the 99th minute off the assist from Mia Hamm.
Wambach is the Gators' career leader in goals (96), assists (50) and points (242) and stands sixth on the NCAA Career charts in goals and points. She earned National Soccer Coaches Association of American (NSCAA) All-America first-team honors in 1999 and 2001. She is a four-time member of the All-Southeastern Conference first team and picked up the SEC Player of the Year award in 2000 and '01.
The U.S. team will travel to Athens in preparation for the Olympic final match on Thursday, Aug. 26. That match kicks off at 6 p.m. local / 11 a.m. ET and will be broadcast live on NBC.
| U.S. Women's National Team Game Report |
| Match-up: USA vs. Germany |
| Competition: 2004 Olympics – Semifinal |
| Venue: Heraklio Stadium; Heraklio, Greece |
| Date: August 23, 2004; Kickoff - 6 p.m. local / 11 a.m. ET |
| Scoring Summary: | |||||
|
| 1 | 2 | OT1 | OT2 | FINAL |
| USA | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| GERMANY | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| USA – Kristin Lilly (Abby Wambach) 32rd minute |
| GERMANY - Isabell Bachor 90th minute |
| USA – Heather O'Reilly (Mia Hamm) 99th |
| Statistical Summary: | ||
|
| USA | GERMANY |
| Shots: | 14 | 12 |
| Corner Kicks: | 6 | 5 |
| Yellow Cards | 4 | 1 |
| Offside: | 2 | 3 |
