USA vs. Japan Women's Olympic Soccer: US Attack Will Lead Americans to Gold

The U.S. attack has scored a tournament-high 14 goals at the 2012 London Olympics this summer, and will lead the United States to a third consecutive Olympic gold medal in women's soccer.

The Americans will face off against defending World Cup champion Japan on Thursday night in London, with the winner earning gold and the loser heading home with silver.

In Monday's semifinal against Canada, the U.S. women used four stunning goals to upend their North American rival in extra time, winning 4-3 in a thrilling shootout.

That nearly-unstoppable firepower is why I like the United States to finish off their 2012 journey with the gold.

The U.S. attack is led by Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan, who have combined for eight goals in five matches in London this summer. Wambach alone has nearly netted as many balls as the entire Japanese squad at the Games.

Wambach's five goals are the second most of any player at the Olympic Games. Meanwhile, Japan has scored just six times as a team since the start of the Games.

With that being said, it should be noted that the Japanese have allowed just two goals in five matches this summer. However, the team has yet to face an offense as hot and dynamic as the United States'. 

It's tough to imagine the Japanese defenders keeping both Wambach and Morgan under wraps for 90 minutes. Wambach has scored at least once in every match so far, and is sure to keep the streak alive with Morgan's presence in the final third freeing her up at the net. 

The key for the Americans in my view will be for them to remain persistent at the net and to continue to chip away at the Japanese defense, ultimately breaking their will and the deadlock on their way to winning gold. 

The U.S. believed it was the better team at last year's World Cup, and they have a chance to back it up one year later. You have to love their chances to cash in on this opportunity simply because of their offensive superiority over Japan. 

Hope Solo and the U.S. defense have been known to let in goals. The team conceded two early against France and then three in a big match against Canada. However, when the American attack gets a full head of steam towards the net, there will be no hope for Japan. 

The United States is the two-time defending Olympic champion in women's soccer, and you can count on the offensive juggernaut to bring home gold in London on Thursday night. 

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter For More Reaction on the 2012 London Olympics This Summer.