California teenager pulls out a 1-up victory over Alison Lee, ranked 25th in the world.

PEPPER PIKE, Ohio -- Drama was not lacking Wednesday during the first round of match play during the 112th U.S. Women's Amateur golf tournament at The Country Club.

Two of the day's marquee matches went down to the final hole as the field of 64 was cut in half on a hot, humid day.

Proof that age is no longer a barrier in amateur golf, 13-year-old Andrea Lee, of Hermosa Beach, Calif., knocked her approach on the 385-yard 18th to about four feet, leading to a 1-up victory over Alison Lee, of Valencia, Calif. Andrea Lee is a freshman at Mira Costa High. Alison Lee is ranked 25th in the latest women's world rankings.

• Results and tee times for U.S. Women's Amateur

Amy Anderson, who attends North Dakota State and was the recipient of the LPGA's Dinah Shore Award for academic and athletic excellence, birdied the final hole from three feet to defeat Thailand's Moriya Jutanugarn, also by a 1-up score. Jutanugarn, 18, is ranked ninth in the world and took the lead when she eagled the 442-yard 16th by holing out from a greenside bunker. Anderson, who advances to play top-ranked Lydia Ko Thursday, has dealt well with pressure so far. She had to birdie her final two holes during stroke-play qualifying to reach the match-play competition.

Chirapat Jao-Javanil, the reigning NCAA Division I champion from Oklahoma, lost to Bronte Law, a member of the Great Britain-Ireland Curtis Cup team, 3-and-2.

Samantha Swinehart, the only Ohioan to make the field of 64, was all-square with California Bethany Wu after 15 holes, but lost the 16th and 17th and was eliminated, 2-up. Swinehart, from Lancaster, attends South Carolina and was the Ohio high school state champion in 2008.

Isabelle Lendl, the 21-year-old daughter of tennis great Ivan Lendl, eliminated Australian Whitney Hiller, 2-and-1, to advance to Thursday's match against Korea's Hyo-Joo Kim, No. 3 in the world and the stroke-play medalist. Kim had an easy win, defeating Megan Khang, of Rockland, Mass., 7-and-6.

The field will be cut in half again Thursday and play will continue each day leading up to Sunday's 36-hole final. Admission is free.

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD

In the first round of knockout play, a ticked-off Kobe Bryant helped Team USA roll past Australia in the Olympic basketball tournament.

View full sizeHarry E. Walker, MCTKobe Bryant overwhelmed Australia's Matt Dellavedova during Wednesday's Team USA triumph in the Olympic basketball quarterfinals.

LONDON -- A angry Kobe Bryant, a LeBron James triple-double and a reason for Team USA basketball to finally care was enough for the Americans to beat Australia, 119-86, on Wednesday night and should be enough again in the Olympic semifinals vs. Argentina on Friday.

After besting Brazil in the quarterfinals, 82-77, the Argentines know they need "a perfect game," a phrase used by two different players Wednesday when asked for a way to beat Team USA.

"I'm always confident, but we know how big they are, how good they are and we know what kind of game we have to play," Argentina's Luis Scola said. "It's a perfect game."

Could the Americans allow it?

Before getting rolling in its 33-point win over the Aussies, Team USA looked like they could. Australia ripped off an 11-0 run early in the third quarter after trailing by 14 at the half, and suddenly this was a game. But after the Americans strolled through pool play at 5-0, winning by an average of 38 points, the tournament reached the knockout stage Wednesday with four quarterfinals.

Though the crowd for Brazil-Argentina felt more like a small college regular-season game, and not quite Olympic, the North Greenwich Arena seats were filled for the USA nightcap.

The college guys, like Kevin Love, said it felt like the NCAA Tournament. The non-college guys, like James, said it had a Game 7 feel. So they cared, and knew they had to stop coasting.

"That end of the third quarter and fourth quarter was great for us," said Love, who had 10 points and 11 rebounds. "Kobe was able to warm up this game and hopefully that'll be a good omen headed to the semifinals. If we don't have lapses like we did at the start of the third quarter, we'll be pretty well off."

Bryant, after a scoreless first half, was goaded by Carmelo Anthony (17 points) into something the Australians couldn't handle.

"I just was searching for something to kind of get me going," Bryant said, "searching for something to kind of activate the Black Mamba, as coach calls it. So I was looking for something to get me going, get me on the edge and find that edge and ride it for the rest of the game."

Bryant scored 20 points in the second half, making 6 of 9 3-pointers and answering Anthony's call.

"He was just saying, 'Let me see you, I want to see what we see during the season,'" Bryant said. "At that point I was already revved up."

James said Bryant was angry about some calls he didn't get, but whatever it was, he needs to stay that way.

No team will beat the Americans when they're on. Team USA smothered Argentina by 29 points in group play. But if a couple key guys try to prove a point or get disinterested, Argentina, which played much better defense against Brazil, could be ornery and experienced enough to take advantage. Team USA beat Argentina only, 86-80, in an exhibition game in Spain just before the Olympics.

"It'll be a chippy game," Team USA's Kevin Durant said. "We're a physical team as well. We know what those guys do, but we've got to focus on us."

"Every time we turn it on, we go up by 20 or 30 points," Anthony said. "But we can't be complacent, staying in neutral. We've got to be at full throttle coming out against Argentina."

For that, they could look to James, whose triple-double included 11 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists (one which he purposefully bounced through an Australian's legs) in 30 minutes, while shooting 3 of 7 from the floor.

"LeBron was magnificent," Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "But he's been magnificent the whole time. He's so unselfish, his rebounding and passing tonight were incredible. He's all about winning, and he's the best basketball player right now and he showed that tonight."

"I'm proud of the win. I don't care about what I do statistically," James said. "We're playing some good ball right now."

Good enough? If they keep Bryant ticked, James at this level and everyone else interested, of course.

Video: Team USA topped Australia in the Olympic quarterfinals, 119-86. Can Kevin Love continue his solid play Friday against Argentina? CineSport's Brian Clark asks SheridanHoops.com's Chris Sheridan.

Brandon Weeden is the 17th QB to start for the Browns since 1999. If you can name them all, you have a good memory, but your therapist will probably consider it a setback.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerThe only mistake the Browns could have made about their quarterback competition, Bud Shaw writes, was to actually have one.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A not-so-sweet 16 reasons why Brandon Weeden's debut is much anticipated ...

Colt McCoy is unhappy he didn't get time with the first team, and he can't be thrilled the starting job was handed to Weeden. For some odd reason he much preferred when the starting job was handed to him.

The same desert landscape that benefits Weeden benefited McCoy -- the organization having decided Weeden is the best option without much proof and with almost no training camp competition. It's the right move, but they had better be right.

Not just because you're tired of waiting for this franchise to identify and support a winning quarterback -- Weeden is the 17th Browns' starter since 1999 -- but they spent a first-round pick on him.

With McCoy, Mike Holmgren stepped in and declared a "good value" in the third round of the draft. With Weeden, they saw a quarterback with tangibles (for once) who could've gone higher if not for his age.

Never have the Browns been so stocked with quarterback evaluators. Holmgren. Pat Shurmur. Tom Heckert. To that list they've added Brad Childress. Jimmy Haslam, the new owner, says he believes in "collective wisdom" -- that five smart people sitting around a table is better than having four. If the Browns don't convert the collective wisdom shown in selecting Weeden, it's going to set back an already set-back franchise another three to five years.

When the Browns drafted Tim Couch, they planned to give him time to learn on the sideline. GM Dwight Clark expounded the benefits of watching and learning. It lasted about one Ty Detmer start. Weeden's age -- he turns 29 in October -- his high draft status and the crying need to stretch the field for an offense suffering from acute claustrophobia in 2011 -- dictate he starts right away.

McCoy pointed out he never worked with the first team. In other words, there was no serious competition. You'd worry more about the Browns if he had split snaps. You'd wonder why they were continuing the charade to Weeden's disadvantage.

Weeden needs every snap he can get with the starters. If there's any hope at all that we're not going to be introducing the 18th Browns starting quarterback in a few years, the organization has to go all-in with Weeden from the start. Worst case scenario -- for some reason, one always comes to mind -- it could be 2014 and the Browns could be still looking for the answer at quarterback.

Friday night's exhibition game in Detroit is the start of the Weeden Chapter. Why not the Weeden Era? I can only think of 16 reasons why:

Detmer, Couch, Spergon Wynn, Doug Pederson, Luke McCown, Kelly Holcomb, Jeff Garcia, Trent Dilfer, Charlie Frye, Bruce Gradkowski, Ken Dorsey, Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace, Colt McCoy.

If there's a 17th reason, my advice to you and Haslam is the same: run for the hills.

SPINOFFS

View full sizeEllen M. Banner, Seattle TimesYou think the Browns' training camp has issues? Terrell Owens might not be the nuttiest receiver in the Seattle Seahawks camp -- not with Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow II around.

Since Haslam held his press conference:

• Running back Trent Richardson, MRI in hand, has scheduled a visit to Dr. James Andrews.

• Linebacker Chris Gocong is gone for the season.

• ESPNCleveland.com is reporting cornerback Joe Haden could face a four-game suspension after testing positive for Adderall.

Haslam didn't ask or I'd have suggested the first "Family Night/Exorcism" in team history. ...

Nick Delpopolo, an American judo fighter, was expelled from the Olympics after testing positive for marijuana. He said he unintentionally ate something before the Games that had been baked with marijuana.

Anything on the banned list will get you thrown out. But compared to steroids, marijuana will be a performance-enhancing drug the day "couch sitting" becomes an Olympic event. ...

The Ravens have hired a team director of football analytics. Sandy Weil, educated at Yale and Carnegie Mellon, wants to statistically "examine some of the prevailing schools of thought within the NFL." They're calling it the NFL's answer to Moneyball.

I couldn't get into Yale or Carnegie Mellon without a bucket and a mop, but my skilled research tells me the Browns' average of 13 points per game last season is counter-productive to winning. ...

Weeden was said to be "excited" about being named the starter, which means he hasn't watched much tape of the 2011 Browns season. Or he might've said, "Meh..."

The Seattle Seahawks, reflecting the no-nonsense, team-oriented ship Pete Carroll steered at USC, have Kellen Winslow Jr, Braylon Edwards and now Terrell Owens in the same locker room. If only "Hard Knocks" had seen it coming together. ...

The Washington Nationals are serious about shutting down pitcher Stephen Strasburg to guard against injury no matter how it affects their playoff chances.

Bob Feller just rolled over in his grave, and it wasn't to sign an autograph...

Jose Lopez: designated for assignment in early May, batting cleanup in late May and designated for assignment in August. Nothing says "Indians 2012" quite as convincingly. ...

If the Indians' off-season "moves" amount to re-signing Travis Hafner and giving Ezequiel Carrera a chance to win the left-field job, it won't matter if Tony LaRussa gets hired as manager. ...

One note on thinking about past Browns QBs: If recollections of Luke McCown last more than four hours, consult your physician. ...

When you add Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde, Mark Rypien, Todd Philcox and Eric Zeier (as in fire), that's 22 quarterbacks since 1992. But only because the stadium was dark for three seasons. ...

I'm rooting for Jonathan Vilma vs. Roger Goodell. Not that I support bounties. It's just that a year's suspension is a far more obvious case of head-hunting. ...

You just knew when the Indians didn't trade for Kevin Youkilis he'd go to Chicago and do his best Frank Thomas impersonation. The biggest hurt? The Indians didn't want to give up starting pitcher Josh Tomlin, now known as long reliever Josh Tomlin. ...

The International Cycling Union wants to take over the Lance Armstrong investigation from the U.S. Anti Doping Agency, because, I guess, nothing says the doping stops here more convincingly than the involvement of a cycling official. ...

HE SAID IT

View full sizeAP fileThings are gonna be just fine? Well, maybe not at Firestone.

"It's not rocket science." -- Steelers owner Dan Rooney on building a successful NFL team.

With the red zone being harder to navigate for the Browns than the Red Planet is for NASA, that's his opinion.

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell -- Eric H. Bryant

Golfer Jim Furyk and singer James Taylor -- Ron Hollowell, Chardon

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Midweek Edition)

View full sizeAP fileEveryday, his work keeps on making us feel good.

"Bud:

"Do you think you have enough game to play backup quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts?" -- Tom Hoffner, Broadview Heights

It's daunting. I'd have to work my way up from my current role as the Thad Lewis of the PD sports staff.

"Bud: "Can I get Chris Perez's permission to stop attending games now?" -- Ron

Certainly not during a one-game winning streak.

"Bud:

"If the Indians' right fielder developed a footwear line that protected the lower leg, would you be buying a Choo Shin Shoe?" -- Dale Jarvis, Sharon Township

Again, I ask: It's come to this, has it?

"Hey Bud:

"How many times after writing your Hemingwayesque Spin article have you felt like tearing off your shirt and running gallantly in the rain like Tim Tebow?" -- Devin, Concord

I look more like Tiny Tim when I run. And that's not a Dickensian reference.

"Bud:

"TV showed LeBron James in the stands at one of the Olympic swimming events. Would you know which country he was rooting for?" -- Ignatowski

First-time "You Said It" winners get a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

"Dear Bud:

"If Manny Acta were alive today, what do you think he'd say about the way the Indians are playing?" -- Jim O, Chardon

Repeat winners don't get it.

"Bud:

"If the Jimmy Haslam era turns out to be yet another disappointing betrayal of Browns fans' trust, will they rename Cleveland Browns' Stadium Pilate Field?" -- Geoff, Shaker Heights

I wash my hands of repeat winners.

"Bud:

"Wasn't it nice to watch new owner Jimmy Haslam on his first day introduce all the Browns' players to Mike Holmgren?" -- Michael Sarro

Repeat winners need no introduction.

On Twitter: @budshaw

Cribbs is one of the most accomplished kickoff/punt returners in NFL history, and has been a focal point of opponents' game preparation.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerJosh Cribbs returns a punt 84 yards for a touchdown during the Browns' 20-14 loss to the Ravens last Dec. 24 in Baltimore.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A countdown of the top 100 players in Cleveland
Browns history. Players must have spent at least four seasons with the
Browns. The ranking is based only on players' careers with the Browns.

No. 92, Josh Cribbs, kickoff/punt returns-special teams coverage-wide receiver, 2005-present

It's no stretch to say that during much of Josh Cribbs' career, he has been the primary source of concern for opponents preparing to play the Browns.

Cribbs, 29 and about to begin his eighth Browns' season, is one of the most dynamic kickoff/punt returners in NFL history. Signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent after starting at quarterback for four years at Kent State, Cribbs is the only Brown to make any major impact on the record books since Cleveland returned to the NFL as a franchise in 1999.

And, he has achieved his feats despite foes' attempts to kick away from him; and despite his having to sometimes return pooch-style kicks that limit running space and thus diminish his average return yardage.

Also, Cribbs has excelled on the Browns' kickoff and punt return coverage teams.

Cribbs is the NFL's all-time career leader with eight kickoff returns for touchdowns. He's also scored three times on punt returns. Cribbs' speed, elusiveness and ability to break tackles has enabled him to bring kickoffs back for 8,837 yards, and to total 10,534 return yards on kicks and punts. Both numbers make Cribbs first among active players and seventh on the all-time lists.

Cribbs made the 2007 and 2009 Pro Bowl teams, and earned all-pro honors both times. In 2007, he led the league with 2.312 all-purpose yards (1,809 kickoff returns, 405 punt returns, 61 rushing, 37 receiving) and 22.9 yards per touch on those plays. He was first, too, with 30.7 yards per kickoff return.

The Browns have tried to utilize Cribbs' abilities in other ways, though with mixed results. He has made some plays running out of the Wildcat formation, with 711 career rushing yards in 122 carries, for 5.8 yards per try and two touchdowns.

Cribbs has caught 100 passes for 1,098 yards and seven touchdowns, including 84 receptions over the last three campaigns. The Browns' use of him at wide receiver, though, has been more out of desperation to find a playmaker at the position than a testament to his receiving skills. With the addition of rookies Josh Gordon and Travis Benjamin, the Browns are saying that Cribbs' playing time at wideout will likely be reduced.

(The Browns' all-time top 100 players so far)

Video: Josh Cribbs, earlier this summer, talking about the Browns with Jim Rome on CBSSports:

Video: Highlights from Josh Cribbs' career as Kent State's quarterback:

Most of the 17,238 fans who watched practice at the stadium seemed be the hardcore type seldom seen in the good seats they occupied. Watch video

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerIncoming Browns owner Jimmy Haslam spent much of Family Night introducing himself to season-ticket holders at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Some thanked him for buying the team. "I appreciate that," he said. "But we've got to win."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Shawn Fritz stood up in the stadium club seats during the Browns practice at Wednesday's Family Night.

His arms were tightly folded across his chest. His eyes staring hard at the field. His jaw out, like a man who knows how to take a punch and bounce back up.

"Hey, you gotta be that way, if you're a Browns fan," he said.

But like most fans here, Fritz wants to buy into the Browns.

To new owner Jimmy Haslam, new quarterback Brandon Weeden, new running back Trent Richardson.

To a winning season?

"I don't know about that," said Shawn Fritz. "I do think we'll score more points, I really do."

Put this man on the Browns fans' Mount Rushmore. He's 35 years old with three kids, ages six years to three months. He works two jobs. He became a fan during the Bernie Kosar era of the late 1980s. That ended when he was 12.

Since then, it's been so lean, he actually made reference to "the Vinny Testaverde Era." That was 1993-95, before the franchise moved to Baltimore.

"My grandmother was a Browns fan," he said. "I can't be anything else. When the team moved, and these fans became Steeler fans ... and they stayed Steelers fans when the Browns came back. That's ridiculous. I could never do that."

As Fritz talked, his three children frolicked in the aisles with their mom, Amanda. She pushed a stroller with orange balloons.

"With the kids, we can't afford to come to many games," she said. "That's why this is so great."

She looked at her husband. "He watches the games on TV standing up," she said. "He used say bad words, but not after the kids came."

With only two winning seasons since their return in 1999, the Browns have done little to clean up the vocabulary of their fans.

For fans here, it's always baby steps. "And four-year plans," said Jeff Moyer from Cochston. "But we love 'em, anyway."

Most of the 17,238 here for this free night to watch practice at the stadium seemed be the hardcore seldom seen in the good seats they occupied on this evening. That's true of Pat and Denny Menendez from Parma. It was Denny's birthday. This was his present, along with a quick trip to the casino, where they finished 10 bucks ahead.

"What happened to Richardson?" asked Denny Menendez. "Some kind of knee surgery?"

Not supposed to be serious. Supposed to be ready for opening day.

"Oh, boy," he said, shaking his head. Then he asked about defensive back Joe Haden, who reportedly flunked an NFL drug test.

"Oh, boy," he said again.

"You gotta be tough to be a Browns fan," said Pat Menendez.

"In the last few weeks, look at all that happened," said Denny.

Linebacker Chris Gocong blew his Achilles and is out for the season. Haden may miss four games if suspended. Richardson will be out a few weeks. But bad news is old news to Browns fans.

Only this year, they seem more upbeat, more determined. They like the drafts of General Manager Tom Heckert that focused on offense. They love new owner Haslam, who was shaking hands, signing autographs, receiving cheers and Dawg Pound barks.

"I know the Haslam family," said Gerald Hensley, sitting alone in the club seats at the 50-yard-line. This man -- wearing a Courtney Brown No. 92 jersey -- knows the Haslams?

"His father, Jim, donated to my campaign when I ran for school board and later county commissioner [in Knoxville in the 1970s]," said Hensley. "They are good people."

When Haslam held a meet and greet for first-time season ticket holders, he was accompanied by his brother -- Tennessee governor Bill Haslam. Haslam is winning the public relations battle. You can tell this man, who grew up in the retail fuel business, knows you have only one chance to make a first impression.

The CEO of Pilot/Flying J truck stops purchased a majority share of the franchise from Randy Lerner as part of a $1 billion deal. His initial press conference was embraced by the majority of fans, and his appearance at the stadium put an exclamation point on that positive impression.

"He has some serious energy," said Matt Bryan of Cleveland. "We need him to make the right moves and put the right people in charge. I have been happy with our last couple of drafts. I think we're going in the right direction, and he adds to that."

Or as Chance Miller of Garfield Heights said: "I was telling a friend, it's good to have an owner who cares about owning this team. Everyone knows this wasn't Randy [Lerner's] passion. This owner comes from a football family, his father won a national title at Tennessee."

As fans lined up, and the new owner kept asking them, "Where are you from? Have you always been a Browns fan?" Some thanked him for buying the team.

"I appreciate that," he said. "But we've got to win."

On this night, many fans were daring to think maybe, just maybe, that may happen.

"It's why we keep coming back," said Pat Menendez. "We want to be there when it does."

Staff writer Tom Reed contributed to this report.

Adderall typically is used to treat ADHD and often is abused by college-aged students who want an edge in focusing in the classroom. Athletes can use it for improved reaction times and concentration and decreased fatigue.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerBrowns cornerback Joe Haden could miss the first four games of the season if the NFL confirms a reported positive drug test for the ADD medication Adderall.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Adderall can be a godsend. The stimulant drug can turn someone who was a bundle of unfocused and impulsive energy into a calmer, more attentive version of themselves.

For an athlete, Adderall can provide an improvement in reaction times and concentration and a decrease in fatigue that gives an edge on the playing field.

"If you think about it, it's an illegal edge," said Max Wiznitzer, a neurologist at UH-Case Medical Center. "Why does the cycling community ban (EPO)? Because it increases your hemoglobin concentration and gives you an unnatural edge. Is it fair to the other people around you if you have that edge?"

The sports world says it's not fair. Adderall is on the list of banned substances in the NCAA and NFL -- unless the athlete alerts the league to a valid prescription for the medication. Wednesday, reports surfaced that Browns cornerback Joe Haden has tested positive for the drug and faces a four-game suspension by the NFL.

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates about 4.4 percent of adults suffer from ADHD.

Adderall is classified as a stimulant, listed alongside caffeine and cocaine in the NCAA's list of banned substances. It has become an increasing problem in the sporting world, with a list of athletes testing positive for the drug growing by the week. Just this week, NASCAR driver A.J. Allmendinger admitted taking the drug to help boost his energy. Others who reportedly have recently tested positive include New York Giants safety Tyler Sash, Pittsburgh tight end Weslye Saunders, Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Neal and Giants running back Andre Brown.

Wednesday, Haden was added to that list.

"In a sports setting, it parlays into an increased ability to work out harder; or if they're going through testing to perform testing better; if they're studying a playbook to memorize the playbook," said Rick Figler, a Cleveland Clinic sports medicine physician. "It's absolutely a performance-enhancing agent."

Adderall generally is known to be abused by teenagers and college students who seek an edge in concentration and focus when studying, and has been deemed addictive because of its performance-enhancing qualities.

"So if an athlete were to use it and said, 'My workout went really, really well,' he'd probably want to use it again," Figler said. "It's similar to if you miss your morning cup of coffee you may not feel on your game."

The U.S. still is smarting from last year's World Cup loss to Japan, and is highly motivated for what several players said was a shot at redemption.

View full sizeAndrew Mendichini, Associated PressThe patience and discipline of the Japanese women's soccer team has gained many admirers on the U.S. team which faces Japan for the Olympic gold medal on Thursday.

LONDON -- The Olympics are about embracing a worldwide sports perspective, a place where athletes learn from each other and inspire each other while trying to beat each other.

It's a lesson the U.S. women's soccer team learned well in advance of Thursday's gold-medal game against Japan, at 2:45 p.m. EDT in Wembley Stadium.

The U.S. lost to Japan in last year's World Cup final, blowing a late lead before falling in a shootout. But it wasn't just that defeat that opened up their eyes to a broader soccer world. It was a trip to Japan in which they watched teens practice and play.

They saw a different style of play than what they grew up with, a style the U.S increasingly incorporates into its own game. How much that matters, and whether it will help the U.S. beat Japan at their own game, is a central factor in the Olympic gold medal game.

"Their players are always engaged [with the ball]," U.S. midfielder Carli Lloyd said. "They start playing 5-on-5 at 10 or 12 years old with no intention of going toward the goal. If they go to the goal, they get in trouble.

"It's all about possession. They're really good on the ball. Their technique is good. They spend hours making sure they have the right technique. In the United States, we play too big a side. We play 8 vs. 8 or 11 vs. 11, and you could go a couple minutes without touching the ball.

"We've mainly over the years tried to rely on our athleticism and our fitness, but the times are changing. We can't rely on that any more. Teams like Japan came back and they beat us. We pride ourselves on being the fittest team in the world, but that didn't get it done for us."

The U.S. clearly still is smarting from the Japan loss, and highly motivated for what several players said was a shot at redemption. The team has trained or played together almost constantly the last year to get ready.

To be sure, the U.S. and Japan sides arrive from far different perspectives.

The U.S. is the two-time defending Olympic champion and ranked No. 1 in the world. It scored 14 goals while going 5-0 in pool and bracket play. Japan's victory a year ago touched hearts across the globe because the nation still was recovering from a devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown.

At the Olympics, Japan is its old self. It won one pool-play game, 2-1, and played to two 0-0 ties. It's quarterfinal and semifinal wins were by 2-1 scores.

Japan clearly remains patient. Can the U.S. handle it this time?

"The one word we can take from Japan is patience," U.S. midfielder Heather O'Reilly said. "I remember being on that World Cup, and after we scored the first goal [in the 80th minute] there was 10 minutes left. I remember being compact on defense and wondering, 'Why isn't Japan coming at us? We're going to win this thing.'

"They weren't getting any chances on goal, but a couple minutes later, they were able to knock one home. Their patience and technique are very inspiring to us as a country."

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

The Purple Raiders have won every OAC title from 1992 through 2011 and own a record 11 NCAA Division III national titles.

View full sizePD fileCoach Larry Kehres and his Purple Raiders should once again challenge for a national Division III title.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Mount Union was picked to win its 21st straight Ohio Athletic Conference football championship in voting by league coaches at OAC media day Wednesday.

Mount Union received nine of 10 first-place votes in the coaches' poll. Head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting.

The Purple Raiders have won every OAC title from 1992 through 2011 and own a record 11 NCAA Division III national titles. Mount is ranked No. 2 in the d3football.com preseason poll, behind defending national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater. Mount coach Larry Kehres returns for his 27th year on the sidelines.

Six starters return to Mount's defense that ranked No. 2 in the nation in 2011. That group includes senior All-Americans Nick Driskill at safety and Charles Dieuseul at defensive end. Driskill was the nation's Defensive Player of the Year as he had a team-high 113 tackles, 61/2 sacks and four interceptions. Mount opens Sept. 1 vs. Franklin (Ind.).

Baldwin Wallace was picked to finish second after an 8-2 season in 2011.

The Yellow Jackets are ranked 19th. They return 33 lettermen and 10 starters.

Offensively, the Yellow Jackets will be led by senior quarterbacks Ryan O'Rourke (Avon) and Andrew Dziak (Padua), and senior running backs Tim Miker (Parma) and first-team All-OAC choice Tyler Lohr (Kent Roosevelt).

B-W opens Sept. 8 at home against Bluffton.

John Carroll, which opens Aug. 31 in Ireland against St. Norbert (Wis.), was picked to finish sixth.

OAC coaches' poll

Rank, School, (first-place votes), Points

1. Mount Union (9) 81

2. (tie) Baldwin-Wallace (1) 66

2. (tie) Heidelberg 66

4. Ohio Northern 54

5. Capital 42

6. John Carroll 41

7. Otterbein 38

8. Muskingum 28

9. Marietta 24

10. Wilmington 10

Two years ago, he was elevated into the Philadelphia Eagles’ first string at midseason and remained there through a first-round playoff loss to Green Bay. Watch video

Two years ago, he was elevated into the Philadelphia Eagles’ first string at midseason and remained there through a first-round playoff loss to Green Bay.

“Not everyone can play in that market,” Patterson said. “It’s a tough market to play in. You got to be mentally tough – talent alone is not enough in that market.”

They don’t boo Santa Claus in Cleveland – it’s the home of Christmas Story, after all – but Browns fans have grown accustomed to a high level of play from their left cornerback Joe Haden. It’s one of the few positions where they’ve actually been spoiled the past two seasons.

But Haden potentially could be suspended the first four games for reportedly failing a drug test. While Haden wasn’t commenting on the report, several teammates acknowledged they must be prepared for possible changes.

The 29-year-old Patterson figures to get the first shot to start opposite Sheldon Brown if Haden is lost. Buster Skrine also merits consideration.

“You make the best of your opportunities, it’s what I did two years ago,” said Patterson when asked about subbing for Haden. “You don’t want them to arise because of the misfortune of others, but you have to step in and be ready.”

He seized his chance with the Eagles. Prior to the 2010 season, Patterson was primarily a special teams contributor, but replaced cornerback Ellis Hobbs and registered four interceptions.

He signed as a free agent with the Browns last season, appearing mostly in nickel situations, before earning a three-year, $16 million contract in March.

“I went in, made some plays and showed I can be a corner in this league,” he said. “I was thrown at a lot being the new guy, but that comes with the turf.

“When you are playing left corner you are going to see a lot of balls in part because it’s a right-handed throwing league.”

Patterson stepped in front of Greg Little on Wednesday night at the stadium and intercepted a Brandon Weeden pass during an 11-on-11 scrimmage. Coach Pat Shurmur said Patterson has enjoyed a strong start to training camp.

“He does an excellent job of challenging receivers and he gets his hands on balls and that’s what you are looking for from a cornerback,” Shurmur said. “He is a competitive sucker and he did a good job tonight.”

Patterson also stood out Wednesday night for those shiny orange cleats he wore. Fans won’t get to see those in the regular season, however, unless the NFL fashion police relax their standards.

“Those would cost me about $5,000 if I wore these on Sundays,” he said.

Owner in the house: New majority owner Jimmy Haslam spent most of Wednesday’s practice on the sidelines, chatting with general manager Tom Heckert.

In meeting with the media, Haslam praised Heckert’s work.

“I think the Browns are headed in the right direction,” Haslam said. “But they were 4-12 last year and they've had two really good drafts in a row. I think Tom and his team have done a nice job, but we probably still have a ways to go.”

D'Qwell absent: Browns middle linebacker D’Qwell Jackson did not practice on Wednesday night. Shurmur said it was no cause for alarm.

“He’s like a lot of players at this time, every once in a while they miss a practice,” he said.

Into the Lions' Den: The Browns open the preseason Friday night against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. It marks the first test for rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden against a defense other than the Browns.

“We’re looking for him to go out there and execute and be generally efficient and then take a lead in that huddle and direct us in to the end zone,” Shurmur said.

Weeden is looking forward to facing the challenge of a Lions defense that includes rugged defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

“He’s a good player,” Weeden said. “He’s very tough in the middle, very athletic and active.”

Brownies: Team president Mike Holmgren had his agent Bob LaMonte in town on Wednesday . . . Shurmur confirmed Montario Hardesty will start against the Lions.

Highlights include extensive Olympics coverage, Red Sox at Indians and first-round play at the PGA Championship.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerUbaldo Jimenez gets the start for the Indians against the Red Sox tonight at 7:05. The game will be televised on SportsTime Ohio and broadcast on WTAM/1100-AM.

12:45 p.m.-1 p.m. -- Swimming.

1 p.m.-1:30 p.m. -- Canoe/kayak.

1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. -- Women's water polo. Live

3 p.m.-4 p.m. -- Women's water polo. Live

4 p.m.-5 p.m. -- Beach volleyball. Live

8 p.m.-Midnight -- Track & field, women's diving, men's beach volleyball, men's cycling.

===

12:35 a.m.-1:35 a.m. Friday morning -- Rhythmic gymnastics, track & field.

1:35 a.m.-4:30 a.m. Friday morning -- NBC Primetime repeat.

CNBC

5 p.m.-8 p.m. -- Women's boxing.

===

3 a.m.-4 a.m. Friday morning -- Boxing highlights from previous day.

MSNBC

9 a.m.-11 a.m. -- Equestrian. Live

11 a.m.-Noon -- Men's field hockey. Live

Noon-1:30 p.m. -- Women's handball. Live

1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. -- Taekwondo.

2:30 p.m.-4 p.m. -- Women's volleyball. Live

4 p.m.-6 p.m. -- Women's basketball (semifinal). Live

NBCSN

8 a.m.-10 a.m. -- Women's soccer (bronze medal match). Live

10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. -- Synchronized swimming.

10:45 a.m.-Noon -- Wrestling.

Noon-2 p.m. -- Women's basketball (semifinal). Live

2 p.m.-2:30 p.m. -- Wrestling.

2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. -- Women's soccer (gold medal match). Live

5 p.m.-6 p.m. -- Wrestling.

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. -- Men's field hockey. Live

Telemundo

9 a.m.-3 p.m. -- Men's beach volleyball, women's diving.

===

Midnight-2:30 a.m. Friday morning -- Review of previous day.

The Cleveland Browns held their Family Fun Night training camp practice last night at Cleveland Browns Stadium with over 17,000 fans attending the free workout. Jimmy Haslam III, the Browns new owner, also attended. Watch video

Ohio State grad Katie Bell is back on the 10-meter platform this morning after qualifying for the diving semifinals in ninth place.

APKatie Bell

Bell on the platform

Ohio State grad Katie Bell is back on the 10-meter platform this morning after qualifying for the diving semifinals in ninth place. She dives at 5 a.m., and if she finishes in the top 12, she will make the finals that begin at 2 p.m. Diving coverage will be folded into WKYC Channel 3's prime-time package.

Eaton closes in on gold

American Ashton Eaton has a 220-point lead after five events in the decathlon and will try to wrap up the gold medal today with the 110-meter hurdles, the discus, the pole vault and the javelin. Teammate Trey Hardee is second. The 1,500 meters, the final event, begins at 5:20 p.m. but the track coverage will be included in prime time.

Speed lanes

Jamaica's Usain Bolt tries to replicate his double gold performance from Beijing in the final of the 200 meters after already taking the 100 meters in an Olympic record. Bolt eased through his heat Wednesday in 20.18. Battling teammate Yohan Blake, he runs at 3:55 p.m. Also, Elyria's Tianna Madison is back on the track, leading off the first heat of the women's 4x100 relay at 3:20 p.m. WKYC Channel 3's coverage is during prime time.

Redemption on the pitch

The women's soccer gold-medal match between the United States and Japan today is a rematch of last summer's World Cup final, which Japan won in a shootout. The United States has been hoping for another shot at Japan ever since. They get that chance at 2:45 p.m. at Wembley Stadium. It will be live on NBCSN.

For the full schedule for the rest of the Games, go here.

Allyson Felix ran so fast and gracefully Wednesday night, it’s hard to believe all the weight she was carrying. Now she can trade it all in for 13.2 ounces of gold. “It has been a long time coming,” Felix said.

AP Photo Allyson Felix is a gold medalist in the 200 meters after her third attempt.

LONDON—Allyson Felix ran so fast and gracefully Wednesday night, it’s hard to believe all the weight she was carrying. Now she can trade it all in for 13.2 ounces of gold. “It has been a long time coming,” Felix said.

She’d finished second in the 200 meters in Athens and Beijing. A third time would not have been charming. It would have been a shame.

Besides winning a lot of world championships, Felix has won a world of friends and admirers. She’s clean living in a sport that had plenty of performance-enhancing dirt. Except for the Olympics, she was proof that nice guys/girls don’t really finish last.

She’s also so aesthetically pleasing. Though her nickname is “Chicken Legs,” Felix runs more like a deer on helium. While other runners grind, her lithe body seems to float down the track.

The only controversy Felix ever had was at this year's Olympic trials. And she didn’t deserve that. She finished in a dead heat with Jeneba Tarmoh for third place in the 100 meters. Since Felix was already ticketed for London in the 200, the pressure was on to let Tarmoh get the final U.S. berth.

“Everyone expected me to give up this spot,” Felix said. “I think lots of people ... know me and they know that I’m seen as this very nice girl.”

Qualifying for the 100 was all part of a grand plan that became brilliantly clear Wednesday night.

The field was loaded. There was 100-meter champ Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica. There was 400-meter champ Sanya Richards-Ross. There was two-time defending Olympic champ Veronica Campbell-Brown.

Heck, I was pulling for Felix just because it’s not such a pain to type her name. She trailed Fraser-Pryce coming off the turn, then found a gear that had been lost last year.

That gets back to the grand plan. Bob Kersee, better known as Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s husband, coaches Felix. Last year, they thought the best way to get ready for the Olympics was to run the 200 and 400 meters.

That blew up at the World Championship. She got third in the race she’d owned at that meet. Felix and Kersee decided to junk the 400 for the sharper training required in the 100.

That’s why Felix didn’t want to give up her Olympic spot after the Great Dead Heat Kerfuffle.

Most people wouldn’t care about the Olympic trials women’s 200 meters unless somebody gave birth in the turn, but the dead heat became a cause célèbre. USA Track & Field decided there should be a runoff or a coin flip. Tarmoh said she was too disappointed and tired.

That made her a sympathetic figure, but it also cast Felix as a 100-meter grinch. It didn’t help when she finished fifth in the 100 final on Saturday. But it was all part of the grand plan.

“The 100 taught me to be aggressive,” Felix said. “Running with those girls pushed me to the limits I hadn’t seen before.”

That’s how she was able to pull away from Fraser-Pryce in the final 100 meters. While the stocky Jamaican pumped her arms and gritted her teeth, Felix took about four controlled breaths and glided to the finish line.

America’s Carmelita Jeter finished third. She was too happy for Felix to be disappointed.

“You’ve been waiting for this moment,” Jeter told her.

“I’m overjoyed,” Felix said.

The grand plan was vindicated. Nice girls really do finish first.

-- David Whitley, AOL Fanhouse Columnist

Bell was knocked out in today's semifinals after making it through the prelims on Wednesday. Watch video

LONDON – Katie Bell climbed the four sets of steps to the top of the 10-meter platform inside the Olympic Aquatics Center, twisted the water out of her little diving towel, chucked it down to the pool deck below, then wiped both arms, both legs and her face with her hands and started talking to herself.

“Relax. Smooth with the armswing. Jump up and get into the twist. Be ready for the bottom. You own this.”

And then she was off into the back two-and-a-half somersault with one-and-a-half twists in the pike position that would end her Olympics.

Katie Bell of the United States dives during the women's 10-meter platform diving semifinal at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

In a diving competition in which she was usually dead on or had something go wrong, the Ohio State grad and native of the Columbus suburb of Clintonville finished her semifinals in the 10-meter platform this morning with two good dives, but they weren't good enough.

Bell's overall score for five dives of 296.80 put her in 16th place of the 18 divers in the semifinals when only 12 advanced to tonight's final. Teammate Brittany Viola finished 15th, so the USA won't have any 10-meter platform finalists tonight.

“I'm a little disappointed, but I had a lot of fun,” Bell told the Plain Dealer after finishing the competition just before noon in London. “So I couldn't be more happy to be here and have experienced that.”

Bell reached the semifinals after a tough prelim Wednesday night in which she was in bad shape after her first two dives but finished strong on her last three dives to take ninth place when just making the top 18 was needed.

“The first two dives I was really nervous,” Bell said, saying she wasn't even sure she'd be able to run to the end of the platform. “After the first two, I was like, 'OK, calm down, it doesn't matter, you're having fun, just do the dives you know.' I had a little different feeling on the third dive, and I felt so much more relaxed.”

After her alarm went off at 5:20 a.m. today for the 10 a.m. competition, Bell impressing herself by not hitting the snooze button as usual, she carried that feeling into the semis and hit her first dive for a 73.5, which tied her for second.

“That was really good,” Bell said. “Compared to yesterday, it was really nice to actually hit it.”

Doug LesmerisesFormer Ohio State diver Katie Bell, of the Columbus suburb of Clintonville, finished 16th in the 10-meter platform diving at the London Olympics on Thursday.

But then she had some problems, scoring a 56.55 on her second dive and 35.2 on her third dive as she over-rotated on both. That dropped her into 16th place, and she never recovered.

“It is kind of hard to just shake it off and do the next dive,” Bell said. “You think that could have been better. But you can't think about the what-ifs at that point.”

Bell would have needed to score 75.35 on each of her last two dives to advance. Among the 18 competitors today, in a total of 90 dives, there were only 16 scores that high. So it was a tall order for the 4-foot-11, 24-year-old, and though her scores of 64.35 and 67.20 on her last two dives were solid, they weren't enough.

Bell said she plans to move to Colorado for a while now, to snowboard and have the kind of fun that she hasn't been able to have too often while training as a serious diver since she was 13, and before that, as a serious gymnast. Then it's off to grad school. A teammate has told her to take a couple years off and then come back and train in synchronized diving for the 2016 Olympics.

For now, Bell will take 16th in the world.

“It was just an amazing experience,” Bell said. “I had so much fun, looking back on it, I'm going to be happy every time I think about it.”

Today, live at noon, on PD Sports Insider, join Bud Shaw and cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, to talk about the latest Cleveland Browns news. The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot will join Glenn and Bud.

Watch PD Sports Insider live at noon every Thursday on cleveland.com

Note: To turn off audio alerts in the chatroom, click on the round button on bottom left of the chat room, then preferences. Uncheck all audio options and save.

About the show: PD Sports Insider airs live every Thursday at noon. Co-hosted by Bud Shaw, Dennis Manoloff and cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, the show features a timely and lively debate of the biggest sports topics of the day and gives readers a chance to interact directly with PD sportswriters and columnists.

Viewers have to the opportunity to ask questions and post comments in a live chat room during the show. They can also email their video questions during the week.

On Family Fun Night at the stadium, the Browns were rocked by news of a minor surgery for Trent Richardson and a possible suspension for Joe Haden. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On a night that was supposed to be all about fun, family and fireworks for the Cleveland Browns, the team was rocked by two bombshells regarding key players Trent Richardson and Joe Haden.

Richardson, the Browns' top pick in the April draft, will likely undergo surgery Thursday in Pensacola, Fla., by orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews to remove a small piece of cartilage from his sore left knee.

But the team is optimistic that Richardson, who had a torn meniscus repaired by Andrews in February, will be back in time for the opener Sept. 9 against the Eagles -- exactly a month away. Early word is that he'll be out two to three weeks.

"We're hopeful that he can be [back for the opener], but we'll see," coach Pat Shurmur said after the Family Fun Night practice at the stadium, which was attended by new owner Jimmy Haslam. "We'll all know more tomorrow."

Shortly after news broke of Richardson's procedure, espncleveland.com reported that Haden faces a possible four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. One source told the site that Haden was found with Adderall in his system, a stimulant used to treat attention deficit disorder and similar conditions.

Teams are not permitted to comment on the players who violate the policy, and are subject to a $500,000 fine if they do.

"If I knew something, I couldn't talk about it -- and I don't know anything," said Shurmur. "I'm assuming that if that's the case we'll receive notice from the league, but as I mentioned that hasn't been the case."

After practice, Haden also declined comment. "It's really a league matter," said Haden. "I can't comment on that right now."

Haden did say, however, that he's still Mr. Cleveland -- the clean-cut, happy-go-lucky guy that fans have come to know and love.

"Everybody knows who I am," he said. "Honestly, my friends and my family, they know exactly who I am. All the Haden Nation supporters. They know who I am and you can't put up a front. So I'm just going to just keep balling, keep looking forward to the next game and keep doing my thing."

Cornerback Dimitri Patterson talked like a man who knows he'll probably be starting the first four games.

"This is a natural transition for me," he said. "I'll never be pressed [into service]. I've always been ready to start. The door opened and that's all it really is -- one person don't make a secondary."

Safety T.J. Ward, Haden's best friend on the team, said "I was surprised as anyone" to hear the news. He said the report shouldn't change people's perceptions of Haden.

"People should love him for who he is," Ward said. "He's a great person."

Asked how Haden is handling it, Ward said, "I don't know. Joe's always in high spirits. He'll bounce back from this.

"We all have to step it up a notch," he continued, also giving support to Patterson. "We have a great secondary. ... [Patterson's] as good as any corner in the game right now."

Haden's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who attended practice on Tuesday, declined to comment. His business manager, Sean Cabble said, "This is the first I've heard of it."

Shurmur, speaking in generic terms, said players know the rules.

"Our players are well aware of what they can and can't put in their bodies," he said. "That's one of the indoctrinations to this league and the players all know that they're responsible for what goes in their bodies and I'm not speaking about any specific situation and I'm not alluding to anything that I don't know about. I'm just saying they're all aware of what they can't put in their bodies."

In the week since Haslam had his introductory press conference, he's watched linebacker Chris Gocong's season end with a torn Achilles and now the Richardson surgery and possible Haden suspension. It didn't stop him from shaking hands and posing for pictures with fans last night.

"Football's a tough game and injuries are part of the game," said Haslam. "And it probably hurts a team like us that's a little younger, maybe a little less depth. But like I said, we're building a good team, we're doing it as we said on Friday for the long run, we're going to do it the right way. We're not going to panic and not do the right things to bring a winner to Cleveland over the long period of time."

As for Haden's possible suspension, he said, "You know, I don't know enough to comment on that. Obviously Joe's a great player and we certainly hope he's available, but I don't know anything more than that."

He also said he'd been in business meetings here all day and didn't know much more about Richardson other than that he had "a little knee issue."

Espncleveland reported that Haden has been notified that he tested positive for a banned substance. If the original sample tests positive again, he'd suspended for the first four games. Haden could appeal, and most likely would. The suspension would cost him four game checks, more than $1.35 million.

According to the policy, Haden would also be ineligible for the Pro Bowl or other league or NFLPA honors.

As for Richardson, he experienced swelling in the knee, had an MRI Tuesday and flew to Pensacola, Fla. where Andrews has a clinic. Andrews has been Richardson's surgeon since high school, when he repaired ligaments in both ankles.

The procedure is a precautionary measure, a source said.

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Su-Hyun Oh was 12 under over 29 holes in dominating her two matches Thursday at The Country Club in Pepper Pike.

PEPPER PIKE, Ohio -- Su-Hyun Oh said she didn't know how it happened. She's just glad it did.

Oh, a 16-year-old born in Korea but raised in Australia, played the most memorable round of the 112th annual U.S. Women's Open Thursday at The Country Club during a 5-and-4 victory over Maia Schechter.

She used that to reach the match-play round of 16 in the afternoon and went on to advance to Friday's quarterfinals with a 4-and-3 victory over Jayvie Marie Agojo, 26, of the Philippines. But back to the win in the morning round, which was delayed for almost 90 minutes due to inclement weather.

Oh, who has two years of high school remaining, birdied six of her first nine holes to build a comfortable lead and make the turn in 30, the lowest nine holes of the week. She followed that with a birdie on 11 and an eagle on the 552-yard 12th. When she ended the match on the 14th hole, Oh was 9-under.

Add on her win in the afternoon, in which she finished at 3-under through 15 holes and Oh was 12 under for 29 holes. Not bad for a high school junior on a course as challenging as Country.

"Really, I don't know what happened in the morning round," said Oh, who joined the Australian national program after gaining citizenship two years ago. "I didn't make any real big putts. I guess I was just hitting it close all day."

You had to feel for Schechter, a 19-year-old from Takoma Park, Md. She was 4 under when the match ended. Such are the vagaries of match play.

"Su has been very steady this week," said Brad James, who oversees the Australian national program. "She is very capable."

Caddie Flemon Barnes, a Bedford resident and regular looper at Country, was more exclamatory. "She was awesome," he said. "She is very patient, very cool and calm. Never gets rattled or upset."

The field is down to eight for the quarterfinals, which begin at 12:45 p.m. Oh will play Canadian Nicole Zhang, who eliminated Korean Hyo-Joo Kim, the third-ranked player in the women's world amateur rankings, 1-up.

Saturday's 18-hole semifinals begin at 10 a.m. with Sunday's 36-hole finals at 8:30 a.m. Admission is free.

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD

Most news the last couple days has focused on Trent Richardson (minor knee surgery) and Joe Haden (possible suspension), but Friday night, the Browns visit the Lions. Injured Gocong is out for the season. More Browns' story links.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerBrowns rookies such as offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz will make their NFL debuts in Friday night's exhibition game against the Lions in Detroit.

Friday night will mark the first pro game for right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, wide receiver Josh Gordon, wide receiver Travis Benjamin, linebacker James-Michael Johnson and defensive linemen John Hughes and Billy Winn.

Make no mistake, though. The focus from a Browns end will be on Weeden. He failed to make it past Single-A in professional baseball. The Browns are convinced he has what it takes to succeed as an NFL quarterback.

"Let's remember now he's a rookie, so when he goes in this will be his first NFL contest," Shurmur said. "We're looking for him to go out there and execute and be generally efficient and then take a lead of that huddle and direct us in to the end zone."

U.S. women's soccer team won the gold medal, avenging one of its most painful defeats with a 2-1 victory over Japan. Carli Lloyd scored in the eighth and 54th minutes for the Americans, who lost to the Japanese in penalty kicks at last year's World Cup final.

Here are some highlights from Day 13 in London.

The U.S. women's soccer team won the gold medal, avenging one of its most painful defeats with a 2-1 victory over Japan. Carli Lloyd scored in the eighth and 54th minutes for the Americans, who lost to the Japanese in penalty kicks at last year's World Cup final. The U.S. team has won three consecutive Olympic titles, and Lloyd delivered the winning margin for the second straight Olympics. [VIEW PHOTOS]

» MORE: Gold-medal soccer match the most electric moment of today's Olympic events (The Oregonian)

Jamaica's Usain Bolt, center, Jamaica's Yohan Blake, left, and Jamaica's Warren Weir celebrate their medals in the men's 200-meter final during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012. Bolt won gold, Blake silver and Weir bronze. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

TRACK AND FIELD

Ashton Eaton won the decathlon gold medal and Trey Hardee got the silver in a 1-2 finish for the United States. Leonel Suarez of Cuba took the bronze.

» MORE: Ashton Eaton just 'taking care of business' (The Oregonian)

Christian Taylor won the triple jump gold medal, overtaking U.S. teammate Will Claye with his fourth jump in the final. Taylor, the world champion, earned the Olympic title with a best jump of 17.81 meters.

American Manteo Mitchell ran the last 200 meters of the opening lap of the 4x400-meter relay preliminaries with a broken leg. He said he felt a pop in his left leg but still finished the lap in 46.1 seconds and helped the Americans to a tie for first with the Bahamas in 2 minutes, 58.87 seconds.

The United States' Claressa Shields, celebrates after winning her fight against Russia's Nadezda Torlopova, during the women's middleweight 75-kg boxing gold medal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

The U.S. women's basketball team faced its first challenge of the Olympics, but found a way to beat Australia and advance to the final.

Trailing early in the second half, coach Geno Auriemma turned to his Olympic rookies and the group — led by Tina Charles and Lindsay Whalen — pressured Australia into turnovers and bad shots. That led to a pivotal scoring run in the third quarter of an 86-73 victory. [VIEW PHOTOS]

WATER POLO

The United States won its first gold medal in women's water polo, getting five goals from Maggie Steffens and a sterling performance from goalkeeper Betsey Armstrong to cruise to an 8-5 win over Spain.

Brandon Weeden will finally get to show what he can do against live action Friday night, but Trent Richardson will be recovering from knee surgery.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerRookie QB Brandon Weeden got in a few first-team reps with third-year back Montario Hardesty this week in preparation for Friday's exhibition opener with Detroit. "My main goal, however I long I play, is to be 100 percent on my responsibilities -- no missed assignments," Weeden said. "I think it's going to be fast, guys are going to flying around and it's going to be fun."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns will get their first look in action of first-round pick Brandon Weeden Friday night in Detroit, but not Trent Richardson.

Weeden, the team's second choice in April's draft and 22nd overall, will start the preseason opener and play about a quarter. Richardson, who went third overall to the Browns, underwent arthroscopic surgery in Florida and will sit out the game. The Browns are hopeful he'll be back by the regular-season opener against the Eagles Sept. 9, but he's likely to miss most or all of the preseason games.

"I know everyone's excited to see him play, but we've got a stable of really good running backs and that helps in terms of the development of this offense," said Weeden. "Obviously, he's going to be a great player and I'm not taking away anything from Trent. He'll be back soon and we've got other guys who will be ready to step in and pick up right where he left off."

Montario Hardesty, who sports a boulder-sized chip on his shoulder and believes he stacks up with Richardson, will start in place of the Browns' new workhorse.

"I'm definitely excited," said Hardesty. "I'm a competitor and I love this game that I'm playing for a living. I don't think it's any extra excitement. I was excited about this game regardless of what the circumstances are.

"I'm going to be in the game earlier [than expected] but I'm going to take the opportunity and run with it."

Coach Pat Shurmur cautioned that Weeden, who likes to take risks, might have some ups and downs in his debut.

"Let's remember now, he's a rookie," said Shurmur. "We're looking for him to go out there and execute and be generally efficient and then take the lead of that huddle and direct us into the end zone."

Weeden, who went 23-3 as a starter the past two seasons at Oklahoma State, acknowledged that his emotions will be in overdrive.

"My main goal, however I long I play, is to be 100 percent on my responsibilities -- no missed assignments," he said. "I think it's going to be fast, guys are going to flying around and it's going to be fun.

"I'm excited. I can't wait."

Weeden lamented his two interceptions during Family Fun Night at the stadium Wednesday night, and knows he'll have to be on point against the Lions and their aggresive front, led by Ndamukong Suh. Cornerback Joe Haden told Weeden he was locking onto his receivers on three-step drops. Haden and Buster Skrine picked him off Wednesday night.

"If it's not there, you've got to check it down or you've got to go to your next read," said Weeden. "Guys like that ... guys that can close on routes so fast, you have to be on time. You can't throw those balls with any hesitation. You've just got to let it rip and that's all part of getting reps.

"If you start double-hitching balls ... you are in a world of hurt."

Weeden will throw Friday to Greg Little and Mohamed Massaquoi, who've both had excellent camps.

"Last year they were young guys that were still learning as well as everybody else," he said. "I think they made some mistakes last year, they're not making them this year. They learned."

In addition to Weeden, rookie Mitchell Schwartz will also be a starter, at right tackle. Rookie Josh Gordon will play in three-receiver sets. Second-year tight end Jordan Cameron will have a chance to show off the excellent hands and athletic ability he's been displaying in camp.

"Because nobody is going to play the whole game, what you want is to go in and be generally efficient," said Shurmur. "You don't want penalties, you want to get lined up right, not too many men in the huddle, you want to see the quarterback be able to call the play, execute.

"It's the same thing on defense, get lined up properly, defeat the blocks, address the gaps, tackle the ball carrier and when they drop back to pass, I want to see some pass rush."

Shurmur said Colt McCoy, who has complained that he didn't get a chance to compete for the starting job, will probably follow Weeden, with Seneca Wallace after that. Thad Lewis will most likely finish the game. McCoy and Wallace have begun splitting the second-team reps, and Shurmur acknowledged that he'll mix it up for the backup job and see how it plays out.

McCoy's stint could be an audition for other teams. McCoy has developed excellent chemistry with fourth-round receiver Travis Benjamin, who's excelled in camp.

"He's very aggressive to the ball, and he's done a nice job of catching the ball in traffic," said Shurmur. "Even when you're really fast, there are times when you're going to have to catch the ball around a defender. He does that very well."

Defensively, the Browns will try to compensate for the troubles of the past few months. Defensive tackle Phil Taylor is out until at least late October with a torn pectoral muscle, starting weakside linebacker Chris Gocong will miss the year with a torn Achilles and strongside linebacker Scott Fujita will play as he fights a three-game suspension. Starting right end Frostee Rucker has missed the past week with a leg issue and cornerback Joe Haden is reportedly facing a possible four-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance.

"It's a violent game and there's a lot of things that can happen," said left tackle Joe Thomas. "Every year there are guys who have to step up and put the big boy pants on and be ready to play. This season isn't going to be any different."

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