.Sam Borden, ESPN Senior WriterAug 10, 2024, 01:06 PM ETCloseSam Borden is actually a senior author for ESPN.com.PARIS-- The united state ladies's nationwide staff won the Olympic gold medal on Sunday, hammering South america, 1-0, in a video game that needed a stout protective stand in the initial half followed by a specific as well as estimated rise in the 2nd to refute Brazil and its legendary leader Marta.It was a known finishing to a competition that had actually been actually a great deal concerning what is actually brand new for the USWNT: A brand-new trainer in Emma Hayes, a brand-new frontline of attackers and a brand-new overview after the disappointment of final summer season's Female's Globe Cup all harmonized all together to result in a record-extending 5th Olympic title, and also initially since 2012, for the USA women, that certainly never tracked at any type of factor in their six suits in France.Mallory Swanson racked up the winning goal in the 57th moment with a sleek finish after running through on objective, yet youthful midfielder Korbin Albert-- that delivered the ball-- and also Sophia Johnson, who wisely fled from the play after discovering she resided in an offside position, were actually the facilitators. Once Swanson crinkled her go past Brazil goalkeeper Lorena, the group at the Parc des Princes-- that included Tom Cruise ship and also Megan Rapinoe-- exploded.It was actually Swanson's 4th goal of the tournament, a lot of one of the Americans and also tied for second-most one of all gamers in the competitors. South america, which had been actually in order for a lot of activity's beginning, continued to precipitate searching for an equalizer but could not find its means with. U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, that was her staff's very most important player in the first one-half, did certainly not permit a goal in the knockout rounds.The match was actually used the very same industry where the guys's staffs from Spain and also France participated in out an eight-goal classic in their ultimate a day earlier, and also girls's groups began at a rate that at least mentioned a potential objectionable rockets, too.Mallory Swanson's target delivered a fifth gold medal for the USWNT. Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile through Getty ImagesBrazil started without Marta, a choice which was actually logical-- the group had merely beaten France and Spain while she offered a red-card suspension-- however still really felt unusual. And Hayes went down Rose Lavelle coming from her schedule for Albert, an appearing to be nod to Lavelle's accident past and the opportunity of added opportunity. Obviously, it was a choice that worked out perfectly.As they did in their distress of Spain, the Brazilians came out pushing. Inside two moments, Ludmila possessed a close-range go saved by Naeher, a very early wake-up call that felt like an arrow dodged. Unbothered, South america maintained coming. Adriana danced deftly on the end pipe and also nearly drew a fine coming from Crystal Dunn. Ludmila transformed Naomi Girma and castigated a shot in to the net that was dismissed for offside. Gabi Portilho beat Tierna Davidson and also merely missed Ludmila along with a risky cross in front of goal.Editor's Picks1 RelatedThe Americans had instants, as well. Trinity Rodman's magical spin at midfield delivered her soaring in the direction of target and also Swanson utilized her velocity also to pull a section yet Brazil always really felt much more harmful. Otherwise for Naeher-- who delivered a wonderful reaction save of Portilho in first-half stop time-- the U.S. would certainly have been actually properly behind at the break.Instead, they equaled and capable to find out with higher urgency and also verve. Johnson crossed just out of Swanson's reach and also Sam Coffey that swerved large to acquire the U.S. group back right into it before Albert found her room. A fast look, a powerful pass as well as Brazil was reeling.Marta, playing in her sixth Olympics and also what is actually counted on to be her final worldwide, started at the hr yet was constantly shut in. 4 moments in to 10 mins of stoppage time, Adriana pressed a diving header at objective coming from close quarters that Naeher-- once again == swatted away.Marta placed her hands on her scalp. The American followers shouted in glee. One year after unbelievable disappointment, the USWNT was back.