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Wambach suffers leg injury as USA downs Brazil

By Sports Network -- The Sports Network

Natasha Kai scored in the 85th minute to give the United States Women's National Team a 1-0 win over Brazil on Wednesday, but the bigger story was USA striker Abby Wambach leaving the field in the first half with a leg injury.

Wambach had to exit the field on a stretcher in the 33rd minute after she collided with Brazil defender Andreia Rosa while going for a loose ball. Wambach immediately motioned to the sideline for help as she held her left leg and she is expected to have an X-ray on the leg to determine the severity of the injury.

If she is out for any length of time, it could be a huge blow to the Americans hopes of defending their gold medal at the Olympics in China next month.

The win gives the United States its second win over Brazil in four days, and improves the team's record under head coach Pia Sundhage this year to 21-0-1.

Wambach entered the game still on 99 goals for her career, and she nearly found number 100 four minutes into the game. Heather O'Reilly picked up a loose ball in midfield and split two Brazilian defenders with a perfect pass to Wambach. The striker got into the area on the left, but she dragged her shot inches wide of the far post.

Carli Lloyd also came within inches of giving the USA the lead in the 17th minute when she received a throw in from the left side, quickly turned and fired a shot that beat Brazil goalkeeper Barbara but sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

The Americans were clearly the better team in the first half, and Lori Chalupny also threatened the Brazil net with a shot from 10 yards that flew safely over the goal.

The USA attack was not as effective early in the second half without Wambach drawing extra attention from the Brazil defense.

Kai did manage to win a free kick on the right wing near the box and the USA finally found the breakthrough with five minutes to play.

Lloyd crossed the ball to the middle of the box for Kai, and she nodded it down past Brazil keeper Andrea to hand the Americans another win.

The USA will play its first match in the Olympics on August 6 against Norway, while Brazil opens the competition with a rematch of the 2007 Women's World Cup final against Germany the same day.