The United States Women's National Soccer team begins quarterfinal play Friday in the 2012 London Olympics. The game will be played at St. James' Park in Scotland and is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am ET.
Team USA went 3-0 in group play and is set to face New Zealand who went 1-2, but clinched their place in the next round with a 3-1 win on Tuesday.
Team USA became the first national women's team to play at Manchester United's fame Old Trafford stadium after women were effectively banned for 50 yeara from playing at soccer clubs in England.
In the birthplace of soccer, Team USA have been amassing large crowds to their games, and the players have a deep appreciation for the support.
"It was awesome," said US striker Abby Wambach. "So many U.S. fans came for this game specifically to watch at Old Trafford. It's a dream come true for a lot of us and it's amazing to have got a goal."
"In order to grow women's soccer, we need these big moments when the spotlight shines on our game," Wambach continued. "That's how we will attract the attention of not only soccer fans, but people outside of soccer. Today, 30,000 people watched our game. I'm hearing there were 70,000 watching at Wembley. I hope some of the owners of programs around here take notice and start putting money into their women's programs."
If Team USA manages to get passed New Zealand, they may end up on a crash course to face host Great Britain in the finals.
Team USA will next have to get by either Sweden or France while Great Britain will need to defeat Canada and then likely have a rematch with Brazil.
