Carli Lloyd Cements Olympic Legacy With Two Memorable Goals Over Japan

With her two electric goals against Japan in Thursday's women's soccer Olympic gold-medal final, American midfielder Carli Lloyd entrenched herself in both Olympic and U.S. women's soccer superstar status.

Like Brandi Chastain's memorable image in the 1999 World Cup when she knocked in the final penalty kick, Lloyd will be remembered for her heroics for Team USA in 2012.

The first goal by Lloyd was impressive, and helped set the tone for the match. She got the U.S on the board in the eight minute off a header from forward Alex Morgan right in front of the Japanese net.

But it was the second goal that will be remembered for years to come. Lloyd's strike came in the 54th minute to give the U.S. a 2-0 advantage in front of a frenzied Wembley Stadium crowd.

It was a goal that the New Jersey-native completely created on her own, and her strike to the bottom corner of the far post was impossible to defend. Rarely does a player put together such a fantastic run, and Lloyd did it in a match that propelled the U.S. to a gold medal, and helped ease some of the pain from losing in the 2011 World Cup final.

Lloyd was a key member of the 2011 squad, and will likely feel some redemption that she helped put the U.S. team on top.

This isn't the first time Lloyd has tasted glory. In 2008, Lloyd not only captured the Olympic gold medal, but scored the game-winner against Brazil in the final match.

She also won the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award in 2008.