Local soccer team knows the thrill of a big win - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

BYRON, Minn. (KTTC) -- The U.S. women's soccer team defeated Japan for the gold medal on Thursday at the London Olympics.

The Rochester Youth Soccer Association (RYSA) U11 Girls Classic 3 watched as the U.S. won.

It's the kind of ending that these girls can relate to.

Just two weeks ago, the "Ninjas" beat an undefeated team from Mankato in the state championship game.

"They were undefeated. They came out thinking they were going to clean us out and in the 'Ninja' fashion we cleaned them out," said Anthony "A.C." Chike, head coach for U11 Girls C3.

"It was fun to pass and try to make the goals and you feel really proud of yourself after," added teammate Aliyah DeCook.

They beat Mankato 1-0.

Teammate Erin Rossman said while watching the Olympic game, "It's cool because A.C. taught us give-and-go and moves we get to see them do it."

It was the U.S. women's third straight gold medal.

*Due to Olympic video restrictions, we are not allowed to show footage online of the gold medal match.