Rio Olympics: Hope Solo surrenders blooper-reel goal between her legs

It wasn’t pretty, but the United States Women’s Soccer Team won their group at the Rio Olympics after a 2-2 draw against Colombia in Manaus.

Depth, range, and pure raw talent will keep the United States Women’s National Team undefeated Tuesday after a 6 p.m. matchup with Colombia.

12 TO 8: With the final round of group matches taking place at two venues on August 9, nothing has been finalized as far as quarterfinal match-ups.

The goalkeeper made an uncharacteristic error as the US national team ended the Olympic group stage with a 2-2 draw against Colombia. The ball hit the ground, then glanced off the crossbar before falling to the turf, where Crystal Dunn swooped in to tuck it away for the equalizer.

The top-ranked US women’s team, the reigning World Cup champion, is vying for its fourth straight Olympic gold medal. She was one of a handful of changes made by USA coach Jill Ellis, who rested Alex Morgan from the start and brought her on for captain Carli Lloyd and halftime.

Julie Johnston, who sat out the second game with groin injury, was also on the bench. Carli Lloyd will roam as a deep-lying forward and will likely play every minute of this tournament. Lining up almost perpendicular to the goal, Usme swung the ball towards the far upper ninety, and Solo was unable to get more than just a fingertip on the shot before it bent and went in for the equalizer. Usme’s kick was struck well, but Solo should’ve easily dealt with it.

The Brazilian crowd continually taunted Solo with chants of “Zika!” at the United States celeb ‘keeper.

All-World goalkeeper Hope Solo showed her significance to the squad in the USWNT’s win against France. Solo has heard a lot of boos in her life; she hasn’t let in a lot of goals like that. The veteran goalkeeper, who has a record 102 shutouts in global play, had not allowed a goal in the first two Olympic matches.

Megan Rapinoe makes her long-anticipated return and Hope Solo has an uncharacteristically bad night. Yet in the 26th minute, Hope Solo conceded the United States’ first goal of the tournament on what should have been an easy save. Rapinoe made her first start since October after injuring her ACL last December, although she was replaced by Mallory Pugh in the 33rd minute.

Canada had never previously beaten Germany in women’s global football, but two goals from skipper Melissa Tancredi brought an end to that. On Monday, coach Fabian Taborda said one of the team’s top players, Catalina Usme, had an injured left knee. But all three started.

The U.S. and Colombia were tied at 1 at halftime.

Projected outcome: The Americans are in relatively good form right now – much better form than they were at this point during last summer’s World Cup.

The U.S. found a goal late in the first half. Depending on the results of the day’s latter matches, the United States of America could play either Australia, China or Sweden.

Melissa Tancredi scored twice, and Canada completed a flawless run through Group F.

The USA took the lead when Pugh broke into a crowded box and ripped a left-footed shot past the keeper in the 59th minute. Brazil has also advanced already to the quarterfinals, along with Canada.

For about 20 minutes bridging the first and second halves, the USA found themselves stuck in a 1-1 tie with Colombia, a team they had beaten 7-0 in a friendly earlier this year.

She then missed an attempt to punch clear in the 90th minute, giving Colombia and unlikely point. But the Colombians continued to attack, ultimately earning the free kick opportunity for Usme in the final minute of regulation time.