Hope Solo, Nadine Angerer, Ayumi Kaihori nominated for Golden Glove award

by
Reuters

The nominees are in for the Golden Glove award at the 2015 Women's World Cup and the results should surprise precisely nobody.

American shot-stopper Hope Solo, German captain Nadine Angerer and Japanese netminder Ayumi Kaihori have been shortlisted for the honor, which is presented to the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

Solo, though shielded by an almost impenetrable defense, has conceded just one goal thus far in the competition, making some incredible saves along the way, particularly in the United States' opening match against Australia, which the Matildas likely would have won if not for the 33-year-old.

Angerer, the iconic 36-year-old playing in her final World Cup, came up large in the Germans' quarter-final win over France, stopping the decisive penalty in the shootout. She also made two brilliant saves in the opening half of the semifinal loss to the U.S., which kept her team in the game.

Kaihori would be the one nominee that will draw some surprise, as the 28-year-old played only one of her team's three group matches and made an absolute howler against the Netherlands in the Round of 16 win.

That said, the 'keeper has been solid since that point, including a wonderful diving save against England in the semifinal that kept her side level before they ultimately claimed the late win in stunning fashion.

The award, won in 2011 by Solo and 2007 by Angerer, will be presented on July 5, following the tournament finale between the U.S. and Japan.

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