Triangle girls soccer team cheers for U.S. women

Soccer fans around the globe were glued to the edge of their seats Sunday afternoon as the U.S. women's soccer team fought for the 2011 World Cup. 

In a thrilling penalty shootout, Japan clinched the title, while a girls soccer team in the Triangle tried for a different victory: to be heard all the way in Germany.

Members of Wake Forest United-White soccer team gathered to watch the game and cheer on their American sports idols.

"We all look up to them and we want to be like them someday," said 13-year-old Ashira Santos.

Many of the girls, who are 12 and 13 years old, have been playing soccer since they were toddlers. Imagine their excitement when they got to meet the U.S. women's team in May, when they faced Japan at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary.

"They signed our shirts. Mia Hamm signed (my shirt)," said 13-year-old Hannah Rayman.

Though the U.S. team came up short Sunday, the girls said the game was "amazing" and "exciting."