The semi final in women’s Olympic soccer will have the USA playing Japan. This is a game that will test the U.S. defense. The team from Japan has improved on their offensive attack. They beat a good Norway team on route to the semi final match. The score was Japan 5 and Norway 1. It shows that the Japanese offence can be potent.

Against such a good attacking team, the U.S. women will have to not give away many corner kicks. The Japanese attackers are very good in the air. With their ground attacks, they run many set offenses and are not hesitant to bring additional attackers for a numbers advantage. The U.S. goalkeeper, Hope Solo, will have to communicate well with her defenders when Japan tries to bring extra attackers.

The U.S. offense has come from a number of scorers. Keeping ball possession will be essential in providing the American defenders some rest. This game could be decided by midfield play and by who can maintain ball possession.

For those who want to follow the game in real time, it is being played at 9 A.M. - eastern time - Monday. For those on the west coast, it means a very early morning.

Catherine