Lori Chalupny is OK after collision

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Lori Chalupny, the U.S. women’s Olympic team defender who was knocked senseless in a collision with goalkeeper Hope Solo during the Americans’ 2-0 opening loss to Norway, is doing fine.

That is good news for a team that pretty much has to win its next two matches in order to advance. But the decision on whether Chalupny will play against Japan on Saturday will not be made until that day.

She was punched in the jaw by Solo as both went for the ball but played on for quarter of an hour until blurry vision and dizziness forced her out of the match in Qinhuangdao, China, on Wednesday.

“I’m feeling good,” she told the U.S. Soccer website on Thursday. “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.”

Chalupny, 24, is one of the most skilled and experienced of the U.S. players, with more than 70 international appearances.

-- Grahame L. Jones