USWNT keeps their Gold hopes alive as they defeat the Netherlands in a penalty shootout 4-2

Tokyo- USWNT wins in thrilling fashion over the Netherlands.

After drawing with Australia to get a spot in the knockout round last week, Team USA set themselves up with a do or die match with Netherlands on Friday. In the first couple minutes of the match, Team USA was very aggressive on the offensive end and looked like they had the Netherlands on their heels with trying to defend the fast pace. Team USA had a chance to score a goal at the 12 minute mark, but missed the wide open corner shot.

Despite the fast pace, the Netherlands kept their cool and got a lucky goal at the 19 minute mark of the game. After defending a goal shot, the ball bounced in the air and right in front Vivianne Miedema, who scored the goal for the Netherlands. The goal shocked Team USA, but they did not panic. Ten minutes after the goal, Sam Mewis scored a goal to tie the game up at one. After their first goal, Team USA scored their second goal three minutes later. Lynn Williams gave Team USA the lead with a goal of her own, after assisting Mewis on Team USA's first goal, 2-1.

After an exciting half, Team USA went into the locker room with a 2-1 lead.

Things got a little testy for Team USA in the second half. After looking in complete control, a lapse in defense cost Team USA early on. Miedma attacked Team USA's defense and kicked a straight on goal at the 54 mark, which knotted the game up at 2 apiece. Team USA had yet another goal taken away from them at the 64 minute mark, because they were once again offside.

With 10 minutes left in the game, Team USA's defense came up huge. Miedma had a chance to score on a penalty kick, but Team USA's goal keeper stop the ball from going into the net. Both teams had to settle the game in extra time.

Team USA seemed a little bit tired during the extra period. They allowed Netherlands to have a couple of cracks with on goal chances. It seemed like each on goal shot that the Netherlands had, they were gaining confidence. Neither team scored a goal in the first extra time, so they had to go into a second extra period. Team USA scored in the second overtime, but shot themselves in the foot once again.The goal was taken away, because Team USA was offside.

Both teams had to settle their differences in a penalty shoot out

Team USA: 4

Netherlands: 2