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LGBT Watch at the Olympics: Good results for American, Swedish women’s soccer teams

LGBT Watch at the Olympics: Good results for American, Swedish women’s soccer teams

Spoiler alert: LGBT Watch at the Olympics is a regular feature tracking the nearly two dozen LGBT athletes at the London 2012 Olympics. In the U.S., NBC is tape-delaying much of the games on its local stations, yet live-streaming on the Internet. Some of the results listed below may not have yet been broadcast in your area.

In women’s soccer, the United States and Sweden advanced to the quarterfinals of the London 2012 Olympics in different fashion.

The Americans, heavily favored to medal, beat North Korea 1-0 at Old Trafford, the home stadium for the storied English Premiere League club Manchester United. Almost 30,000 fans attended the match, many shouting “USA, USA” as the Americans appeared certain of victory.

The U.S. swept all three matches in Group G play. France beat winless Colombia 1-0 for a 2-1 record in group play, while North Korea finished third with one win. North Korea and Colombia were eliminated from the tournament.

Lesbian Megan Rapinoe started for the United States on Tuesday and had one shot on goal, but she was substituted by Tobin Heath in the 46th minute.

For the Americans, it was a goal by teammate Abby Wambach that proved to be the game-winner. Lauren Cheney hoisted a long pass to Alex Morgan, who threaded the needle between two North Koreans to find Wambach for an easy goal.

The United States next plays on Friday against New Zealand at St. James’ Park in Newcastle, England. New Zealand finished third in Group E play behind Great Britain and Brazil.

Sweden was tied by Canada 2-2 in Group F play, giving up the lead in the 84th minute. Japan tied 0-0 with South Africa. Sweden, Japan and Canada all qualified for the quarterfinals.

The Swedes started lesbian Hedvig Lindahl, and the goalkeeper recorded one save. Another out athlete, Lisa Dahlkvist, substituted for Nilla Fischer in the 53rd minute and committed two fouls. Lesbian Jessica Landström did not play.

Sweden next plays France in the knockout round this weekend.

The other quarterfinal matches are Great Britain vs. Canada and Brazil vs. Japan.

Women’s field hockey

The Netherlands moved to 2-0 in Group A of women’s field hockey with a 3-2 win over Japan.

The Dutch feature three lesbians on the team: Marilyn Agliotti, Maartje Paumen and Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel.

The Netherlands plays China on Aug. 2, Korea on Aug. 4 and Great Britain on Aug. 8 to conclude group play. The Brits are also 2-0.

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