Hey Hope, looks like Brandi was right

By John Smallwood, Daily News Sports Columnist
Posted: August 08, 2012

MAYBE NOW United States goalkeeper Hope Solo will show a little more respect for her elders.

Solo didn't like that USA women's soccer legend and NBC Olympic analyst Brandi Chastain pointed out in the opening game against France that deficiencies in the defense of Team USA could come back to haunt later in the tournament.

America's outspoken soccer diva went on Twitter to basically say Chastain was clueless and the game had passed her by.

Chastain certainly seemed to know what she was talking about on Monday as the United States survived numerous defensive mishaps to beat Canada, 4-3, in overtime to advance to the gold medal game.

Alex Morgan gave the U.S. its first and only lead in the third minute of injury time of the second 15-minute overtime at historic Old Trafford.

The United States overcame three one-goal deficits at the feet of Canadian super striker Christine Sinclair, who tallied in the 22nd, 67th and 73rd minutes.

Sinclair was brilliant, but her opportunities were enhanced by defensive lapses from the USA.

The USA improved to 44-3-5 against Canada and hasn't lost to its northern neighbors in 27 consecutive matches (23-0-4).

Next up for the United States is Thursday's rematch of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup final against Japan, which claimed that title by winning on penalty kicks.

"I don't have much to say because I need to wrap my head around what just happened," Solo said. "And that's the truth of the matter. We tend to keep things interesting."

That's kind of what Chastain pointed out.

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