The U.S. Women's Soccer team defeated Canada this evening in of the most stunning matches in Olympic soccer history. Alex Morgan scored in the 122nd minute to give the US a 4-3 win and a book their place in the Gold medal game against Japan.
The US had to come back from 3 Canadian leads just to force the extra time. Christine Sinclair was an absolute force for the Canadians and became just the second player to record a hat trick against the U.S. She scored in 22nd, 67th and 73rd minutes. Sinclair's first two goals were answered by Megan Rapinoe in the 54th and 70th minutes. Abby Wambach scored from the penalty spot in the 80th minute to tie the match at 3-3.
The penalty came after a controversial call to award an indirect free kick against Canada after their goalkeeper held the ball for greater than 6 seconds in an effort to waste time. It is a legitimate rule, but rarely seen called. Typically, goaltenders are given yellow cards for time wasting. The call resulted in a free kick that a Canadian player handled in the box in an attempt to stop. A penalty was called and the match was tied at 3-3.
In the 122nd minute of extra time, just moments before the whistle would blow to send it to penalties, Alex Morgan headed a cross into the net to seal the win for the U.S. Enjoy it in all its gif glory.
The United States will move on to play Japan in the Gold Medal match on Aug. 9. It is a rematch of the Women's World Cup final which Japan won. The US had their eye on a rematch this whole tournament and now they have their wish.
Canada will play France in the Bronze Medal match on Aug. 9
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