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.