US Women Take on Costa Rica for Olympic Berth

One more game and the US Women will be joining the men on the trip to China. All they have to do is beat Costa Rica in the semis on Wednesday and they’re qualified for the Olympics.

And, of course, “all they have to do” are the five most dangerous words in sports.

The odds are pretty good, though. The US women blazed through the group stage with a 6-0 win over Jamaica and a 3-1 win over Mexico. And when the US and Costa Rica met in Olympic qualifying four years ago, the US dominated, 4-0.

But Costa Rica is playing better this year, and it’s never good to get overconfident. But… Go, US!

(I’m not finding this match televised anywhere. The only thing I’m finding is a MatchTracker listed on the US Soccer website I think this lack of coverage is a crime.)

In the other semifinal game, Canada takes on Mexico for the second qualifying slot.

Winners of both games will head to the Olympics, but they’ll also face off in the tournament final on Saturday, April 12 at 6:30 Pacific, 9:30 Eastern.

From US Soccer:

2008 U.S. CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Roster:
GOALKEEPERS (2): 24-Nicole Barnhart, 18-Hope Solo
DEFENDERS (7): 2-Rachel Buehler, 17-Lori Chalupny, 14-Stephanie Cox, 13-Tobin Heath, 15-Kate Markgraf, 3-Christie Rampone, 4-Cat Whitehill
MIDFIELDERS (6): 7-Shannon Boxx, 16-Angela Hucles, 11-Carli Lloyd, 12-Leslie Osborne, 5-Lindsay Tarpley, 10-Kacey White
FORWARDS (5): 8-Lauren Cheney, 6-Natasha Kai, 9-Heather O’Reilly, 19-Amy Rodriguez, 20-Abby Wambach.