The league also boasts Abby Wambach, a star forward who was hurt just before the Beijing Olympics, leading the Washington Freedom.

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Prolific striker Abby Wambach calmly converted the penalty to make it 3-3, before Morgan settled the match in the dying moments of extra-time.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The organization has proven similarly effective against the U.S. women, who have a 1-1-1 record against Japan in 2012, despite a massive size advantage, led by the five-foot-10 striker Abby Wambach.

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That's where two of the team's most promising stars, forward Abby Wambach and fiery midfielder Shannon Boxx, have a chance to make national names for themselves prior to joining the WPS next spring.

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The women's side came closer to producing a surprise as U.S. striker Abby Wambach, an Olympic champion in London, took the prize ahead of her teammate Alex Morgan and the Brazilian forward, Marta, a five-time winner.

WSJ: Messi's Fourth Ballon d'Or Surprises No One

United States striker Abby Wambach won the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award for the first time while her former coach, Pia Sundhage, who led the U.S. to its second Olympic gold medal at London 2012, was named Women's Coach of the Year.

CNN: Messi crowned world's best for record fourth time

United States striker Abby Wambach won the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award for the first time while her former coach, Pia Sundhage, who led the United States to its second Olympic gold medal at London 2012, was named Women's Coach of the Year.

CNN: Messi crowned world's best for record fourth time