Mallory Swanson leads USWNT to first Olympic gold medal in 12 years with win over Brazil

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The U.S. women’s national soccer team was on a mission in Paris to make a comeback, and on Saturday in the Olympic gold medal match against Brazil, they succeeded.  

National Women’s Soccer League star Mallory Swanson broke through more than 60 minutes of scoreless action to put the Americans on the board with 1-0 lead, overshadowing Brazil’s dominant play in the first half of their contest. 

Team USA players celebrate the opening goal scored by Mallory Swanson in the women's gold medal match against Brazil during the 2024 Paris Olympics at the Parc des Princes in Paris on August 10, 2024.  (ONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)

The goal quickly changed the momentum for the American squad. The U.S. improved its possession, giving way to more opportunities from Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman. Team USA’s defense did their part to shut down a frustrated Brazil. 

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Brazil's best chance came early in the first half when two-time Olympian Ludmila found the back of the net, but the goal was quickly waved off after an offsides call.

Saturday’s loss at the 2024 Paris Olympics marks the third time that Brazil has lost a gold medal match to the U.S. Brazil has never won Olympic gold in women’s soccer. 

Mallory Swanson of the United States celebrates scoring a goal against Brazil in the second half of the women's gold medal match on August 10, 2024. (Brad Smith/ISI/Getty Images)

By contrast, the USWNT has extended the Olympic record with their fifth gold medal title. It marks their first since the 2012 Olympic Games in London. They won their first gold in the sports debut at the 1996 Games