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Atlanta’s Kelley O’Hara Leads US to Victory

By Jonathan Savitske

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In ATL News, Fayetteville’s own Kelley O’Hara played hero for the US Women’s National Soccer team on Tuesday evening in Montreal.

Her goal in the 84th minute of regulation sealed an American victory over top-seeded Germany, ensuring a spot for the US in the Women’s World Cup on Sunday.

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The 26-year-old O’Hara hails from Starr’s Mill High School, inside the Atlanta metropolitan area. Coming off a cross from Carli Lloyd, O’Hara’s sliding a strike past German goalie Nadine Angerer cemented a victory for the Women’s National Team, as the United States to heads to the Final. @Vininho captured Kelley O’Hara’s second half goal.

The US dodged a bullet early in the second half, as star German striker Celia Sasic was unable to capitalize on a defensive error by US defender Julie Johnston, leading to a penalty kick. Sasic’s strike went wide left, much to the relief of American Goalie Hope Solo who committed to the right. Sasic’s miss proved fateful for the Germans, as they were unable to gain any momentum in the subsequent minutes to attempt to mount a comeback.

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After a foul to US striker Alex Morgan inside the box in the 69th minute of play, Carli Lloyd capitalized on the opportunity by sinking the penalty kick past German Goalie Angerer, leading to 1-0 lead for the US.

Entering the game as a substitute in the second half, Kelley O’Hara had the freshest legs on the field — and it showed. Her ability to read the defense and place herself in the perfect position to receive a pass from Lloyd made the victory increasingly cathartic to a United States team which has had its struggles offensively during the tournament for the past month.

Hope Solo received another shutout for the American squad: her 10th in 13 starts since her return from suspension. Solo’s streak includes 517 consecutive minutes of scoreless play. The play of the American defense has been admirably throughout the month of June, with the only goal allowed being to the Socceroos of Australia in the first game of the World Cup.

It is always wonderful to see an Atlanta native in the spotlight and for Kelley O’Hara and the United States Women’s National Team, the limelight continues to grow brighter by the day. The World Cup Final will be held in Vancouver on Sunday against the winner of England and Japan. Let’s hope for another great performance by the team. One Team, One Nation!

Next: Paul Johnson: Best Coach in the ACC?

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