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Kelley O’Hara replaces injured Lindsay Tarpley on Women’s World Cup-bound U.S. national team

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Kelley O’Hara, a former Stanford midfielder and 2009 Hermann Trophy winner as soccer‘s best female player of that year, Wednesday was named to the U.S. team that will compete in this month’s Women’s World Cup in Germany.

O’Hara, 22, replaces Lindsay Tarpley, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee on May 14 during the U.S. team’s victory over Japan in a friendly international.

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Pia Sundhage, the U.S. coach, said O’Hara would be a solid replacement for the veteran Tarpley.

‘Kelley has great energy, she is good in the air and brings youth to the team,’ Sundhage said. ‘She is a player who can take people on and hit good crosses, which will be important at the World Cup.’

At Stanford, O’Hara set school records for goals (57), assists (32) and points (146). She led the team to the NCAA title game in her senior season. As a professional, she helped FC Gold Pride win the Women’s Professional Soccer championship in 2010, then joined the Boston Breakers. She has played only five games for the full national team but was a regular starter on the U.S. under-20 national team.

‘After initially not making the team, it’s an amazing feeling to be back with these players and going to Germany,’ O’Hara said.

The 16-team Women’s World Cup will be played in Germany from June 26 to July 17, opening in Berlin and closing in Frankfurt. The U.S. is one of the favorites, along with host Germany.

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-- Grahame L. Jones

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