(Sports Network) - United States defender Lori Chalupny was injured just seconds into the first match of the women's soccer competition at the 2008 Summer Olympics on Wednesday and had to be taken off the field, but she has been listed as day-to-day after suffering from some dizziness and blurred vision. The injury occurred when Chalupny was inadvertently punched in the jaw by U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo, who was trying to clear a cross. She went down for a few moments but rose to play the next 14 minutes before being substituted off.

A decision on whether or not she will play in Saturday's game against Japan at Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Center Stadium will likely be made on the day of the match.

"I'm feeling good," said Chalupny. "My head was hurting after the game, but no headaches today and I'm just taking it easy. Tomorrow, I'll do some time on the bike and see how I feel, but I'm confident about my chances to play against Japan."

The U.S. defender admits she was blindsided by the hit, but had no loss of memory and watched the rest of the match from the bench.

"I remember going up for the ball and getting punched in the head and landing on my face," said Chalupny. "I would not recommend that to any of the young players out there. I don't blame Hope at all. Things like this happen in soccer games. If she's going to come, she's got to come hard and try to make the play. Unfortunately, the ball just took a good bounce for Norway and a bad one for us. We are really looking forward to the Japan game. I have to believe we will come out with passion and intensity. Our Olympics are on the line."



Copyright 2008 The Sports Network
All rights reserved