The U.S. Paralympic Team qualifies for 2012 London Paralympic Games

The U.S. Paralympic Team qualified for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London with a 3-2 win against Ireland in the third and final Group D match at the 2011 CPISRA Football 7-a-Side World Championships.

With six points from the three group matches, the U.S. advances to the quarterfinals where it will meet Russia on Sunday, June 26, at 7:30 local time (1:30 p.m. ET).

U.S. forward Josh McKinney put the team ahead 1-0 in the first half, and then doubled the score in the second half by finishing a penalty kick after Marthell Vazquez was fouled. The U.S. went ahead 3-0, with Adam Ballou scoring what would eventually be the game winner.

But Ireland showed some spunk, scoring twice late in the game. The Irish almost tied but goalkeeper Keith Johnson came up with a huge save in the final seconds to secure the victory and earn Man of the Match honors.