Former University of Hawai'i standout Natasha Kai suffered a head injury in the championship game of the Algarve Cup, an 11-nation tournament in southern Portugal.

World Cup champion Germany defeated the United States 4-3 in a penalty shootout yesterday to win the Algarve Cup for the first time.

Kai, who entered in the 70th minute, had to leave the match during overtime after suffering a minor head injury, according to www.ussoccer.com.

Her mother, Sharon Kai, said yesterday afternoon that Natasha Kai "is OK, she got knocked in her forehead somehow."

Sharon Kai said her husband Benny Kai spoke to the team doctor and "they said she wasn't throwing up or anything, so it's a good sign. She's still in the hospital. I guess they took her because she was seeing double."

With the game scoreless after 120 minutes, Shannon Boxx's penalty shot was saved by Germany goalkeeper Silke Rottenberg and Abby Wambach sent her shot off the crossbar to give the European champions the title.

The U.S. women's team, ranked No. 2 in the world, was trying to win its fourth straight title. The match was a rematch of last year's final, which the Americans won, 1-0.

The United States had the best chances during regulation time but Rottenberg, who didn't allow a goal during regular play in the four-game event, thwarted each attempt.

"I feel we played much better than last year against Germany," United States coach Greg Ryan said. "We dominated the No. 1 team in the world."

Sweden took third place in the tournament with a 1-0 victory over France. Also, Norway beat China, 1-0; Finland edged Mexico, 4-3; and Denmark beat Ireland, 4-0.

MEN

CHING ON U.S. TEAM

Forward Brian Ching, a Kamehameha Schools alum, was among the 19 players selected for next week's exhibition game at Dortmund, Germany.

Clint Dempsey was left off the U.S. roster after the midfielder was suspended by the New England Revolution following a practice-field fight with a teammate.

The Americans, who moved up to an all-time high fifth in yesterday's FIFA world rankings, will be playing their last game in Europe before the World Cup. Germany is ranked 22nd.