Naperville’s DiBernardo helps U.S. win World Cup

Posted September 08, 2012 1:23 pm

By Daily Herald News Services

Kealia Ohai of United States,center, celebrates with Vanessa Di Bernardo (10) of Naperville after Ohai scored a goal during final match of the U20 Womens World Cup against Germany in Tokyo on Saturday. Associated Press

The U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team, along with Illini junior standout Vanessa DiBernardo of Naperville and head coach Janet Rayfield, defeated Germany 1-0 Saturday to claim the U-20 World Cup Championship in Tokyo, Japan.

The 2012 FIFA World Cup title is the third championship the squad has claimed after earning the U-19 World Cup in 2002 and the U-20 World Cup in 2008.

Germany had beaten the American squad 3-0 in earlier group play, but couldn’t crack the American defense when the world title was on the line. Germany, the defending champs, had a record shutout streak of 610 minutes entering the match, but Kealia Ohai netted the eventual game-winner in the 44th minute for the American squad. American captain Julie Johnston and goalkeeper Bryane Heaberlin (5 saves) led the U.S. defensive effort.

DiBernardo, a midfielder at Illinois who starred at Waubonsie Valley, started all six contests for Team USA, compiling 543 minutes of play. DiBernardo was one of five Americans to score a goal in the tournament. Maya Hayes led the U.S. club with 4 goals, followed by Ohai with 2 goals.

Associated Press The U.S. womens soccer Captain Julie Johnston, center, kisses the trophy as she celebrates with her teammates after defeating Germany 1-0 to win the U20 womens World Cup final in Tokyo on Saturday.

Dzsenifer Marozsan (14) of Germany and U.S. captain Julie Johnston (8) battle for the ball during their final match of the U20 womens World Cup Saturday in Tokyo. Associated Press

Players of the United States from left: Katie Stengel (12), Sarah Killion, Morgan Brian (6) and others celebrate winning the U20 Womens World Cup final in Tokyo, defeating Germany 1-0 Saturday. Associated Press

U.S team members hold the trophy after defeating Germany 1-0 to win the U20 womens World Cup soccer final in Tokyo, Saturday. Associated Press

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