OLYMPICS: U.S. captures women's gold

• by Soccer America , Aug 27, 2004

The United States won the gold medal in women's soccer at the Athens Olympics thanks to an overtime strike from Abby Wambach that gave the Americans a 2-1 victory over Brazil.

The victory was fond farewell for the U.S. veterans who captured their first world title at the 1991 World Cup, but the U.S. youngsters were the difference.

With Brazil attacking in waves early, just as it did when the two teams met in group play, the U.S. got a crucial goal on a blast from distance by 20-year-old Lindsay Tarpley.

Brazil tied the game in the 73rd minute on a Pretinha goal and subsequently struck the post twice, but Kristine Lilly served a perfect corner kick to Wambach to head home the winner in the 22nd minute of overtime.

Aug. 26 in Athens

USA 2 Brazil 1 (OT). Goals: Tarpley 39, Wambach 112; Pretinha 73.

USA -- Scurry, Rampone, Markgraf, Fawcett, Chastain (Reddick, 61); Boxx, Tarpley (OÆReilly, 91), Foudy, Lilly, Wambach, Hamm.

Brazil -- Andreia, Monica, Tania, Juliana, Daniela, Rosana (Maycon, 111), Formiga, Elaine (Renata Costa, 88); Pretinha, Marta, Cristiane.

Yellow cards: Brazil -- Formiga 17, Monica 46.

Referee: Jenny Palmqvist (Sweden).

Att.: 10,416.