USWNT silences Brazil to win Gold Cup

Lindsey Horan scored in the first minute of first-half stoppage time to lift the US women’s national team to a 1-0 victory over Brazil on Sunday in the final of the inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup in San Diego.

United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher did not have to make a single save to record the shutout.

The US has won seven straight matches vs Brazil and holds a 32-3-5 record in the all-time series between the teams.

Horan’s heavy header was the breakthrough the Americans needed just before intermission. Emily Fox sent a cross toward the far post, where Horan was six yards out from the goal to outjump two defenders. She had three goals in the tournament.

Until that point, the Brazilians had the best chances but couldn’t put the ball on frame to test Naeher. In the 10th minute, Duda Sampaio sent a 25-yard free kick just outside the right post, and in the 22nd, Gabi Portilho was off target from the right side of the box.

The US had a chance to double the lead in the 79th minute, but Lynn Williams was offside to nullify her goal.

A flick by Brazil’s Geyse from the center of the box went wide right in the 85th minute, and the Brazilians’ last stellar opportunity came in the first minute of second-half stoppage time when Debinha stood at the top of the arc for a free kick. She sailed the ensuing attempt over the top left corner of the net.

Instead of downpours that made the field nearly unplayable on Wednesday when the US advanced on penalties after a 2-2 tie with Canada, the conditions were ideal on Sunday, with a dry surface and sunshine for the opening whistle.

Brazil reached the final after a 3-0 victory against Mexico. Next is the SheBelieves Cup, beginning April 6 in Atlanta. The Americans play Japan while Brazil faces Canada. • Reuters