Kai nets U.S. women past Brazil

Jul 17, 2008 - 4:06 AM SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- Natasha Kai scored in the 85th minute to lead the United States women's soccer team to a 1-0 triumph over Brazil on Wednesday in its final friendly before heading to Beijing to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games.

The Americans, who will face Norway on August 6 in its opening match of the Olympics, have recorded shutouts in each of their last seven matches and improved to 21-0-1 in 2008. In addition, the United States has yet to surrender a goal to Brazil since allowing four at the FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals in September 2007.

After Amy Rodriguez's lone tally in the 71st minute lifted the Americans to a 1-0 triumph over Brazil on Sunday, the teams once again played a spirited contest only to see a late goal decide the outcome.

Off a set piece, Carly Lloyd fired the ball into the penalty area just in front of goalkeeper Andrea to Kai, who headed the ball past the Brazilian for the lone goal of the match.

Abby Wambach, who has 99 international goals in 127 appearances, injured her leg in a collision with Andreia Rosa in the 39th minute. She exited the contest on a stretcher and was replaced by Angela Hucles.