Hope Solo: Star Goalkeeper Won't Be Tested by Low-Powered Japanese Attack

Hope Solo's biggest challenge in the gold medal game against Japan will be to not fall asleep. Not literally, but she may not be a factor for much of the match as Japan does not represent a high-powered attack.

Japan has only scored six goals in five games, with two being the highest total. They have actually been shut out twice as well. Yuki Ogimi is the only player on the Japanese side that has more than one goal, and she has two.

The United States' defense hasn't been their strong suit, but I expect them to be physical against Japan and put together one of their best defensive efforts. Japan's defense has been especially solid, they have allowed only two goals in Olympic play.

Part of their low goals allowed is due to their pace, but that will be a very difficult thing to maintain against the Americans.

Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe have been fantastic, and they keep constant pressure on opposing defenses. Only the dynamic Canadian Christine Sinclair has more goals than Wambach in the Olympics. 

She has six to Wambach's five scores in five matches.

Because of this, I believe Japan will play much of this match on their heels, with very few opportunities for realistic shots on goal.

Japan averages less than five shots on goal per match, and their success percentage is less than 25 percent. All this adds up to what should be an easy day for Solo.

She may have her number called a few times in the match, and those may not even be what most would describe as tough saves. When the time comes, as long as she's ready I think she'll play her role in a 2-0 shutout victory for the Americans in the gold medal match.

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