They captured the hearts of the country last summer, making a run to the championship of the 2011 World Cup, only to be stunned by Japan on penalty kicks in the gold medal game.

Now, the USA women's soccer team is back and trying to settle some unfinished business in London.

“To be that close after having not having won a World Cup in 12 years – that’s gut-wrenching. It’s just hard to kind of soak up. We came so close,” said midfielder Carli Lloyd.

“Disappointing result for us maybe, but I think we gained a lot of fans and a lot of momentum back home and I think that we’re really excited about being able to continue that,” added midfielder Heather O’Reilly.

“It’s really just about the same team, plus or minus a few players,” forward Alex Morgan told NBC 6. “We had great chemistry in the World Cup and we’re continuing that and still growing as a team.”

No one has grown more than Morgan. America's budding superstar had her coming out party in the World Cup, scoring two goals including the opener against Japan.

The 23-year-old from the University of California will be counted on as a game-changer in the Olympics.

“Coming into the Olympics, I think she has come into her own,” said midfielder Lauren Cheney. “The World Cup was just a stepping stone for her and she has gotten nothing but better, so I think you guys should watch out for her in the Olympics. It’s going to be awesome.”

“I definitely have a different role going into London than I had from the World Cup so I’m looking forward to embracing that new role and hopefully getting some more playing time,” Morgan said.
She'll get a lot of playing time - as much as she can handle. Morgan will team up with Team USA’s most accomplished striker - Abby Wambach - the pride of the Florida Gators.

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The duo pace a squad that's confident they won't come up short again.

“We’ve medaled in every Olympics I think we’ve ever been in, so I think there is always going to be pressure, but I think we embrace that and it fuels us,” said Cheney.

“We are looking good and I can’t wait,” added Lloyd. “There is nothing I want more than another gold medal.”

Lloyd won’t have to wait much longer. Even though the opening ceremonies are Friday, the pool play of soccer begins Wednesday.

Team USA faces France to get things going.

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