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Midfielder Megan Rapinoe has a soccer story that a lot of women's soccer stars do. She played at University of Portland under the guide of Clive Charles.
But the Redding, California product is appearing here because of just that, she was born and raised in Redding. Rapinoe currently plays with the Seattle Sounders Women FC (like seemingly half of the Olympic team), and is looking to help the women's team avenge its 2011 FIFA World Cup loss to Japan last year.
She has 52 appearances with the national team and has scored 12 goals. She ended the 2011 World Cup with one goal and three assists, her first goal being scored almost immediately after she was brought on as a substitute against Columbia.
The USA Women's team is seeking their fourth gold medal at the Olympics, which if history goes to show will most likely happen. The past three times the U.S. hasn't won the World Cup the team has taken the gold medal at the following Olympics.
For complete coverage of the Summer Games in London, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated 2012 Olympics hub.