Wambach injury mars U.S. victory over Brazil

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Abby Wambach, leading scorer for the U.S. women’s soccer team, went down in a heap in the 33rd minute tonight after colliding with Brazil’s Andrei Rosa in an exhibition game in San Diego and had to be carted off the field.

Wambach, her left leg in an inflatable brace, was taken to a local hospital for X-rays, team spokesman Aaron Heifetz said. Though the U.S. beat Brazil, 1-0, the threat of losing Wambach with the Olympics only weeks away dampened the team’s spirits afterward.

The U.S. is scheduled to open defense of its Olympic title Aug. 6 against Norway.

Natasha Kai, who replaced Wambach at striker after the injury, scored the only goal on a header in the 84th minute off a free kick from Carli Lloyd. Wambach, who has 99 career goals, leads the team in scoring this year with 19 goals.