A Lot On The Line In World Cup Final

The U.S. team celebrates after defeating Germany 2-0 in a semifinal in the Women's World Cup soccer tournament, Tuesday, June 30, 2015, in Montreal, Canada.VANCOUVER, Canada — There is more at stake than mere global soccer supremacy when the U.S. and Japan meet in the Women's World Cup final Sunday.

For a generation of U.S. players, led by star forward Abby Wambach, the game will provide one last chance at a title that has eluded the Americans for 16 years.

For troubled goalkeeper Hope Solo, it will provide another opportunity for redemption following a year in which she has been in the news more for her legal problems than for her ability to prevent goals.

And for U.S. Soccer, a win would…