Everything was in place for U.S. women's goalkeeper Hope Solo.
After an embarrassing 2007 World Cup, Solo had risen to become the world's greatest goalie, and the 2011 World Cup was supposed to be her redemption.
Her redemption from then-coach Greg Ryan pulling her from the semifinals against Brazil for 36-year-old veteran Brianna Scurry.
Her redemption from her ugly tirade after the U.S. women eventually lost, 4-0, and she was kicked off the team.
This was supposed to be Solo's year, and it appeared even more evident with her sprawling save against France during the penalty shootout in the semifinals.
Heck, it even seemed inevitable.
But it was not to be.
The U.S. women took the lead twice in the finals against Japan on Sunday, and both times they gave up the lead.
It wasn't necessarily Solo's fault. In Japan's first goal, which knotted the score at 1-1 in the 80th minute, her defense absolutely broke down, leaving Japan's Aya Miyama with a close look at goal.
In Japan's second goal in extra time, Solo, coming off a leg injury, didn't appear to be able to lift off when a ball went sailing over her head.
Solo even saved a ball when it went to penalty kicks in the shootout.
However, the offense missed several penalty kicks in the shootout, and Saki Kumagai drove it home for Japan and left Solo and the rest of the team in shock.
It was all too sudden, all too heartbreaking.
Above all, the U.S. women's performance in the World Cup final wasn't what they had become known for, miracle comebacks.
It didn't seem right, or even appropriate, that they would give up two leads when they had the game all but won.
But, alas, as Solo's teammates helped her off the field, it was reality, and Solo will deal with it the same way she always has: with undeniable heart.
Katie Cassidy Estella Warren Cinthia Moura Monica Potter Brittany Snow
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