.Sam Borden, ESPN Elder WriterAug 10, 2024, 01:06 PM ETCloseSam Borden is actually an elderly author for ESPN.com.PARIS-- The united state females's nationwide crew gained the Olympic gold medal on Saturday, hammering Brazil, 1-0, in a game that demanded a stout defensive stand in the initial one-half adhered to by a specific and calculated rise in the 2nd to refuse Brazil and also its own famous leader Marta.It was actually a known ending to a competition that had been so much concerning what is actually brand new for the USWNT: A brand new trainer in Emma Hayes, a new frontline of enemies and also a new outlook after the dissatisfaction of last summertime's Women's World Cup all meshed with each other to lead to a record-extending fifth Olympic name, as well as first due to the fact that 2012, for the united state females, who never ever trailed at any type of point in their 6 suits in France.Mallory Swanson scored the winning target in the 57th minute along with a sleek end after going through on objective, but youthful midfielder Korbin Albert-- that delivered the reception-- and Sophia Smith, that wisely broke away from the stage show after realizing she resided in an offside position, were actually the companies. When Swanson buckled her go past Brazil goalkeeper Lorena, the group at the Parc des Princes-- that included Tom Cruise line and Megan Rapinoe-- exploded.It was actually Swanson's 4th goal of the event, many amongst the Americans as well as tied for second-most one of all gamers in the competition. Brazil, which had been in demand for much of game's onset, remained to push forward seeking a counterpoise yet couldn't find its own way with. USA goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, that was her group's most useful gamer in the 1st one-half, carried out certainly not make it possible for a goal in the knockout rounds.The match was used the exact same area where the men's groups coming from Spain and also France played out an eight-goal classic in their last a time earlier, and also females's crews began at a pace that at least hinted at a possible offensive rockets, too.Mallory Swanson's goal provided a fifth gold medal for the USWNT. Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty ImagesBrazil began without Marta, a selection which was reasonable-- the group had actually merely trumped France and also Spain while she offered a red-card revocation-- but still felt unusual. And also Hayes went down Flower Lavelle from her lineup in favor of Albert, a seeming salute to Lavelle's trauma history as well as the option of extra opportunity. Obviously, it was a selection that worked out perfectly.As they carried out in their upset of Spain, the Brazilians showed up pressing. Inside 2 moments, Ludmila had a close-range chance saved by Naeher, a very early cautionary tale that seemed like an arrowhead evaded. Unbothered, South america always kept coming. Adriana danced deftly on the end pipe and virtually pulled a fine from Crystal Dunn. Ludmila switched Naomi Girma as well as blasted a shot right into the web that was eliminated for offside. Gabi Portilho trumped Tierna Davidson and merely overlooked Ludmila with a hazardous cross before goal.Editor's Picks1 RelatedThe Americans possessed seconds, also. Trio Rodman's enchanting spin at midfield sent her flying in the direction of objective as well as Swanson used her rate too to draw a section but South america consistently really felt more risky. Or even for Naeher-- who provided an enchanting response save of Portilho in first-half stoppage opportunity-- the USA would have been effectively responsible for at the break.Instead, they were level as well as able ahead out along with greater necessity and also gusto. Johnson crossed contemporary of Swanson's scope as well as Sam Coffey had a crack that swerved large to obtain the USA crowd back in to it prior to Albert discovered her room. An easy glance, a heady successfully pass and also South america was reeling.Marta, playing in her 6th Olympics as well as what is counted on to become her last international, started at the hr yet was actually constantly shut in. 4 moments into 10 minutes of interruption time, Adriana pushed a diving header at objective from close range that Naeher-- once more == knocked away.Marta placed her hands on her scalp. The American enthusiasts chanted in merriment. One year after extraordinary disappointment, the USWNT was back.