Women's Olympic Soccer Schedule 2012: Full Coverage for Next USA Showdown

The United States women's soccer team stormed into the quarterfinals, and their next performance should not be missed.

The Americans have been led once again by Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach, who have dominated opposing defenses and scored five of Team USA’s eight goals in the tournament thus far.

The team is shooting for its third consecutive gold medal, and now the competition starts to matter. No mistake goes unpunished in the knockout stages, and the loser’s tournament is over.

Here is how to catch the United States’ game against New Zealand.

When: Friday, Aug. 3, 9:30 a.m. ET

Where: St. James Park, Newcastle, United Kingdom

Watch: NBC Sports Network (may vary by location)

Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

Players to Watch

Abby Wambach

Wambach is a national team legend who has 141 goals in 185 appearances for the United States since 2003. 

The 32-year-old has not lost a step and is still dominant. She provides a physical presence up front, and no woman in the world is better in the air than Wambach.

Her stability and talent have been one of the driving forces behind Team USA’s continued success. 

The Americans will have a potent offense for the remainder of the tournament, and Wambach will be at the center of everything.

Alex Morgan

Morgan is a 23-year-old goal-scoring phenom who has given the United States attack a new dimension.

She has 29 goals in 43 appearances and has formed a dangerous attacking partnership with Wambach.

Both players can beat defenses with the ball at their feet or by making runs off the ball. The two have a natural understanding of how the other plays, and it has led to the team’s potent offensive output in London. 

Morgan will continue to dazzle as the pressure builds in the later stages. 

Carli Lloyd

Lloyd reminded spectators in Team USA’s opening match that Wambach and Morgan are not the only Americans capable of producing spectacular goals.

The United States faced a two-goal deficit to France but climbed back and tied the match. Then Lloyd put the team ahead with a wonderful strike from distance.

This is the type of clutch play that the team needs from its veteran midfielders.

Lloyd has proved throughout her career that she is a dependable consistent player who can come through in big moments.