Pressure's on for U.S. women

At this summer's Olympics, the U.S. women's soccer team will face pressure on several fronts:

*The American public knows only two outcomes to a major women's tournament: A U.S. win or questions about why the USA didn't win. Greg Ryan, who posted a 45-1-9 record in three years as coach, lost his job over the "1" in the World Cup semifinals.

*Like many Olympians headed for China, players face persistent questions about the host nation's politics.

*Looming in 2009 is a second attempt at a pro league, which could use a boost from consecutive U.S. Olympic gold medals.

The players and new coach Pia Sundhage know the pressure comes with the territory.

"Professional athletes, right? There's always pressure," says goalkeeper Hope Solo, who shows no signs of strain less than a year after emphatically questioning Ryan's decision to play Briana ...