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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, April 10, 2008

Kai scores two goals as U.S. earns Olympic soccer berth

Advertiser Staff and ussoccer.com

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Team USA's Natasha Kai has four goals in the tournament.

STEVEN GOVERNO | Associated Press

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Natasha Kai, who scored two goals on Sunday in a 3-1 victory over Mexico, added two more goals and an assist yesterday as the U.S. Women's National Team defeated Costa Rica, 3-0, to clinch a berth in the Beijing Olympics.

The U.S. team will play Canada — which also clinched an Olympic berth with a 1-0 victory over Mexico yesterday — in Saturday's final of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament at Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

Kai, the Kahuku High alum and former University of Hawai'i standout, scored in the 57th minute — smacking a hard shot from 10 yards out that Costa Rica goalkeeper Priscilla Tapia had her hands on, but could not secure as the ball rolled into the lower right corner of the goal.

Kai then assisted on Heather O'Reilley's goal in the 72nd minute, then finished the scoring in the 89th minute when she rocketed a shot from 8 yards out into the right side of the net.