Julie Johnston has been an integral part of a solid U.S. defense that has allowed just 13 shots on goal -- and only one score -- in six Women's World Cup games.
So when she made her first massive mistake of the tournament in the semifinal Tuesday against Germany, Johnston's teammates rallied to her side.
"It's a team sport and the team really stepped up for me," an emotional Johnston said. "I really can't thank them enough."
Her error came early in the second half of a scoreless game when Johnston, 23, playing in her first World Cup, pulled down Germany's Alexandra Popp from behind in the penalty area.