USWNT edges Brazil to win 1st gold since 2012

PARIS — The U.S. women’s national team won the Olympic gold medal on Saturday, beating Brazil 1-0 in a game that required a stout defensive stand in the first half followed by a precise and calculated surge in the second to deny Brazil and its legendary captain Marta.

It was a familiar ending to a tournament that had been so much about what’s new for the USWNT: a new coach in Emma Hayes, a new front line of attackers and a new outlook after the disappointment of last summer’s Women’s World Cup all meshed together to result in a record-extending fifth Olympic title, and first since 2012, for the U.S. women, who never trailed at any point in their six matches in France.

Mallory Swanson scored the winning goal in the 57th minute with a slick finish after running through on goal, but young midfielder Korbin Albert — who delivered the ball — and Sophia Smith, who smartly ran away from the play after realizing she was in an offside position, were the facilitators. Once Swanson curled her shot past Brazil goalkeeper Lorena, the crowd at the Parc des Princes — which included Tom Cruise and Megan Rapinoe — exploded.

It was Swanson’s fourth goal of the tournament, most among the Americans and tied for second most among all players in the competition. Brazil, which had been in command for much of the game’s early stages, continued to push forward in search of an equalizer but couldn’t find its way through. U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who was her team’s most valuable player in the first half, did not allow a goal in the knockout rounds.

The match was played on the same field where the men’s teams from Spain and France played out an eight-goal classic in their final a day earlier, and the women’s teams began at a pace that at least hinted at potential offensive fireworks, too.

Brazil started without Marta, a decision that was understandable — the team had just beaten France and Spain while she served a red-card suspension — but still felt strange. And Hayes dropped Rose Lavelle from her lineup in favor of Albert, a seeming nod to Lavelle’s injury history and the possibility of extra time. Needless to say, it was a decision that worked out perfectly.

As they did in their upset of Spain, the Brazilians came out pressing. Inside two minutes, Ludmila had a close-range shot saved by Naeher, an early wake-up call that felt like an arrow dodged. Unbothered, Brazil kept coming. Adriana danced deftly on the end line and nearly drew a penalty from Crystal Dunn. Ludmila turned Naomi Girma and blasted a shot into the net that was ruled out for offside. Gabi Portilho beat Tierna Davidson and just missed Ludmila with a dangerous cross in front of goal.

The Americans had moments, too. Trinity Rodman‘s magical spin at midfield sent her flying towards goal, and Swanson used her speed as well to draw a corner, but Brazil always felt more dangerous. If not for Naeher — who delivered a magical reaction save of Portilho in first-half stoppage time — the U.S. would have been well behind at the break.

Instead, the Americans were level and were able to come out with greater urgency and verve. Smith crossed just out of Swanson’s reach and Sam Coffey had a crack that swerved wide to get the U.S. crowd back into it before Albert found her space. A quick glance, a heady pass and Brazil was reeling.

Marta, playing in her sixth Olympics and what is expected to be her final international match, came on at the hour but was constantly bottled up. Four minutes into 10 minutes of stoppage time, Adriana pushed a diving header at goal from close range that Naeher — again — swatted away.

Marta put her hands on her head. The American fans chanted in glee. One year after incredible disappointment, the USWNT was back.