DMV Soccer Phenom's World Cup Game Winner

The US Women’s National Team played a contentious World Cup game against Brazil on Sunday, and found a hero in a DMV soccer phenom in the process.

After a series of egregious calls by the ref and being down a player for almost an hour of play, the U.S. team had tied the game in overtime and scored a series of penalty kicks. One more by defender Ali Krieger would send her team to the semi-finals.

Krieger shook off the pressure and netted her ball.

“I don't think I was really thinking. I just stepped up to the plate,” Krieger said after the match. “We had practiced in training and I felt confident in making it. I blocked everything out and stepped up.”

Krieger grew up in northern Virginia and graduated from Forest Park High School. Her pedigree is courtesy of her dad, who has worked with the soccer teams at American and George Mason universities, as well as with the D.C. United and Washington Freedom youth teams.

She may be an international figure, but she keeps herself grounded with ties to home. Her U.S. player bio even lists being a Redskins fan as one of her personal facts.

Before she returns home, she has some more business to take care of with the National team, which faces France next. But she’s content in reveling in the moment until then.

“It's a dream come true, especailly in Germany, to be the last shooter,” said a humble Krieger. “Given that opportunity I did the best I could.”

Questions, comments or tips? Email Sarah at sarahskogod@gmail.com. You can also follow her on Twitter (@sarahschorno).

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