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The U.S. women initially looked like a team that played six games in the last 16 days.

More so than a soccer game, Brazil turned the Paris gold medal match into a track meet.

However, the Americans found new gaps and kept their opponents at bay in the added final 10 minutes to win 1-0 for their first gold medal since 2012 at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.

During the 57th minute, Korbin Albert, who started in place of Rose Lavelle, came up with the ball in midfield, and saw Sophia Smith take advantage of the space in the Brazil backfield.

Smith and Mallory Swanson both set off and Albert lofted a perfect pass through that resulted in the gold-medal winning goal from Swanson, who launched the ball into the far right corner.


  Mallory Swanson of the United States celebrates scoring their first goal against Brazil on their way to a gold medal on Aug. 10, 2024. REUTERS Mallory Swanson of the United States celebrates scoring their first goal against Brazil on their way to a gold medal on Aug. 10, 2024. REUTERS

  US’ forward #09 Mallory Swanson celebrates scoring the opening goal with US’ midfielder #10 Lindsey Horan in the women’s gold medal final football match between Brazil and US during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Parc des Princes in Paris on August 10, 2024. AFP via Getty Images US’ forward #09 Mallory Swanson celebrates scoring the opening goal with US’ midfielder #10 Lindsey Horan in the women’s gold medal final football match between Brazil and US during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Parc des Princes in Paris on August 10, 2024. AFP via Getty Images

The American fans erupted with joy at Parc des Princes in Paris and further celebrated after it was confirmed Swanson was not offside.

The sole goal stood, and it was enough to power through.

With the victory, the U.S. became the first team in women’s soccer to earn five Olympic gold medals, and their Olympic soccer total increased to seven.


  Lindsey Horan of the United States, bottom, celebrates with her teammates after winning the women’s soccer gold medal match between Brazil and the United States at the Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. AP Lindsey Horan of the United States, bottom, celebrates with her teammates after winning the women’s soccer gold medal match between Brazil and the United States at the Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. AP

Ten minutes was added to the second half, and American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made a crucial save in the 94th minute to keep the Brazilians from scoring the equalizer.

Brazil’s Adriana received an over-the-top pass, heading it toward the far left corner of the goal, but Naeher had another impressive reaction save in good position to keep the Americans alive.

After a tight first half, the Americans found their chances in the second, but couldn’t find the net again to add comfort to their shallow lead.


  Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, of the United States, right, saves a header by Brazil’s Adriana, down, during the women’s soccer gold medal match between Brazil and the United States at the Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. AP Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, of the United States, right, saves a header by Brazil’s Adriana, down, during the women’s soccer gold medal match between Brazil and the United States at the Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. AP

During the 63rd minute, Trinity Rodman made a great cut inside the box with the ball on her left foot and tried to bend it into the far corner.

However, it went wide and she knew it, screaming after for her missed chance.

The U.S. seemed to be relieved they entered halftime all tied up at 0-0 after what was a tiresome first half that saw Brazil own all the momentum.


  US’ forward #05 Trinity Rodman controls the ball in the women’s gold medal final football match between Brazil and US during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Parc des Princes in Paris on August 10, 2024. AFP via Getty Images US’ forward #05 Trinity Rodman controls the ball in the women’s gold medal final football match between Brazil and US during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Parc des Princes in Paris on August 10, 2024. AFP via Getty Images

An offsides flag saved them early on in the 14th minute after Ludmila of Brazil beat Naomi Girma — a rarity — off the dribble inside the box to blast the ball past Naeher.

2024 PARIS OLYMPICS

Cheers from Brazil fans filled the air before it turned to cries of disbelief when they saw the side judge hold up the offsides flag.

Ludmila smiled in disbelief as well but replays quickly showed she was offsides.

Brazil, who went without six-time FIFA Player of the Year Marta for the first half, continued to test the Americans’ legs and Swanson challenged Brazil goalkeeper Lorena, narrowly missing her first shot towards the corner.

Marta started on the bench after serving a two-match suspension for a red card.


  Marta #10 of Team Brazil looks on from the bench prior to the Women’s Gold Medal match between Brazil and United States of America during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Parc des Princes on August 10, 2024. Getty Images Marta #10 of Team Brazil looks on from the bench prior to the Women’s Gold Medal match between Brazil and United States of America during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Parc des Princes on August 10, 2024. Getty Images

However, the midfield of Lindsey Horan, Sam Coffey, and Albert could hardly get anything working.

Naeher had a stunning reaction save toward the end of the first half, saving a shot in the box from Gabi Portilho, who was waiting for the ball inside.

Naeher flung her body to the right to save the ball and to help keep the Brazilians at bay before the halfway point.

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