Kai's late goal moves US into semifinals

SHANGHAI, China - Natasha Kai had spent 90 minutes sitting on the bench, listening to music and energizing her teammates in the locker room during a 100-minute suspension in her match because of lightning.

Finally, she got on the field in extra time and headed in the winner for a 2-1 victory over Canada yesterday to give the defending champion United States a spot in the Olympic women's soccer semifinals. Surrounded by her teammates, she celebrated her goal with a little jig.

In a game that ended 4 hours 10 minutes after it started, the Americans splashed through the rain at the Shanghai Olympic Stadium to set up a semifinal meeting with underdog but emerging giant killer Japan.

According to Shannon Boxx and coach Pia Sundhage, Kai's contribution was immense, on and off the field.

"We have certain players, and Natasha's one of them, that give us energy in the locker room and on the field," said Boxx, who provided the cross for Kai's 101st-minute leader. "And the music, a mixture of Hawaii, hip-hop, and everything, is great for us. We kept a great positive attitude.

"I see how she is when she comes onto the field and she's waving to the crowd and getting the crowd going. That puts a smile on the people who are tired on the field and it lifts us up."

Sundhage said Kai's energizing reaction to the long suspension even helps her.

"For me, it's the way she looks. A lot of energy, a happy smile," Sundhage said. "She gives a lot of energy and is very supportive.

"I had a plan but I changed my mind because the players handled it very well. They were playing music in the locker room, there were happy smiles and they were ready to go. This team coaches themselves in the locker room when it was raining outside. I'm very proud of that."

Angela Hucles gave the Americans a 12th-minute lead from in close. But Christine Sinclair replied in the 30th for Canada with a powerful 24-yard shot.

Now Sundhage's team moves on to try and maintain its record of reaching every Olympic final. The US won in 1996 in Atlanta, was runner-up to Norway at Sydney 2000, and won again in Athens in 2004.

The thunderstorm that led to the teams playing in torrential rain didn't stop the Americans going ahead with a simple move in the 12th minute.

Eight more minutes were played with thunder and lightning rumbling and flashing around the stadium before the referee took the players off for their own protection.

Technically superior, the Americans created better chances but were shocked by an equalizer after 30 minutes.

They lost possession just outside their own area. Clare Rustad won the ball and Sinclair took over, firing a 24-yard shot that flew past goalkeeper Hope Solo inside the far post.