USA Comes Up Short in World Cup (Video)

Japan narrowly beat the US Women's Soccer team in a World Cup penalty kick shootout 3-1 on Sunday afternoon, but not before a a great game that saw the US women dominate their opponents at times but squandering numerous scoring chances.

The US scored twice, Japan tied and then came a disastrous penalty kick shootout that left Japan victorious and some of the US players literally in tears. If the US had beat Japan, the World Cup would have been theirs.

AOL reports: "The Japanese rallied twice to tie the U.S. and sent the Women's World Cup final into penalty kicks and then won 3-1 in the shootout.

"Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath all missed penalties for the Americans, who squandered dozens of chances throughout the game and blew a lead just six minutes from winning their third World Cup title."

Audience members watching in a big screen television at Yurcak Field Sunday, the home of Heather O’Reilly’s Sky Blue FC, chanted USA throughout the afternoon as the rooted on the US, as well as several Jersey girls.

But despite the excitement, the final outcome silenced the crowed, many of whom stayed to watch the Sky Blue FC game that would be held later that night.

When Christie Rampone blocked a shot that was a breath from the net, the crowd went wild. But right after that, Japan scored and the US women just couldn't make it back later in the penalty kick shootout.

On hand to watch the game Sunday were fans and soccer players from throughout the area, including members of the East Brunswick Soccer Club and O’Reilly’s former coach, Phil Peterson.

Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2011-07-17/japan-wins-womens-world-cup-beats-us-on-penalty-kicks?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%7C78362#ixzz1SP1GqaBo