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QINHUANGDAO, China (August 7, 2008) -- U.S. defender Lori Chalupny was injured just seconds into the first match of the Olympics while challenging for a cross against Norway inside the U.S. penalty area on August 6. Chalupny was inadvertently punched in the jaw by U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo and went down for a few moments. She rose to play the next 14 minutes, but suffering from some dizziness and blurred vision, she had to be replaced.

Chalupny said that she is feeling much better today. She has been resting and watching TV shows on her lap top. She is listed as day-to-day and the decision on whether she will play against Japan on Aug. 9 will likely be made on Saturday.

“I’m feeling good,” said Chalupny. “My head was hurting after the game, but no headaches today and I’m just taking it easy. Tomorrow, I’ll do some time on the bike and see how I feel, but I’m confident about my chances to play against Japan.”

The U.S. defender admits she was blindsided by the hit, but had no loss of memory and watched the rest of the match from the bench.

“I remember going up for the ball and getting punched in the head and landing on my face,” said Chalupny. “I would not recommend that to any of the young players out there. I don’t blame Hope at all. Things like this happen in soccer games. If she’s going to come, she’s got to come hard and try to make the play. Unfortunately, the ball just took a good bounce for Norway and a bad one for us. We are really looking forward to the Japan game. I have to believe we will come out with passion and intensity. Our Olympics are on the line.”