Hope Solo: United States Keeper Must Be at Her Best Against Japan

The US Women's National Team has long been a symbol of dominance in the sport of soccer. From the days of Mia Hamm to the likes of Alex Morgan and Hope Solo today, their dominance has continued. That dominance almost came to an end as the Women's National Team just barely squeaked by Canada in the semifinals. It took some last second heroics by Alex Morgan to keep the game from going to penalty kicks.

That game was a lot closer than the United States would have liked. Simply put, Hope Solo was not at her best against Canada.

Solo was beaten for three goals as Christine Sinclair put on a show with her hat trick.

There was not much Solo could have done though, as all three Sinclair goals Solo had no chance on. And when push came to shove, it was Hope Solo who came out on top. She made a clutch save late in the match on a shot from Sophie Schmidt.

The United States will face off against Japan in the finals; a rematch of the 2011 World Cup that saw Japan knock off the US in a hard fought match.

For the women's team to take home the gold on the pitch this year, Solo is going to have to be at her absolute best.

There is no doubt that the National Team is going to come out swinging, as they don't want a repeat of 2011. It's safe to assume Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach are going to do everything in their power to make sure the US come out on top.

But if Solo can't keep Japan from getting the ball to the back of the net, then the Americans have no chance.

As Thursday's final draws near, the US Women have to make sure their focus is 100 percent on going out and playing their game. They need to push the pace and keep Japan on their heels if they want to come out and win the gold.

Hope Solo is going to have to play spectacularly. And on the biggest stage in the world, she should come out prepared. There is arguably no one better in big-time games at keeper than Solo. If the offense can get the US on the board, Solo will do her part to get the US Women back to the pinnacle of women's soccer.

What's going to happen remains to be seen. But for the US National Team, their success sits on the keeping play of Hope Solo. Here's to hoping that Solo plays the way she is capable of playing and the US women come out of London with a gold medal.