Sweden edges US Women in Algarve Cup final

Friday, 13 March 09, 05:27 PM · Comments(0)

After Shannon Boxx caused Sweden to take the lead in the 19th minute, she came back to score the goal that would keep the US Women in the game at the 90th minute, at least until Heather Mitts would miss the deciding shot of the penalty shootout.

For the first 45 minutes, the US struggled to find their rhythm and create chances. At halftime, Pia talked to the team and changed their attitude. The US fought hard throughout the second half until the 90th minute. That is when Carli Lloyd cut past a defender, played the ball to Kai, who played it to Rapinoe who struck a pass across the goal mouth for Boxx to score. Hope Solo stepped up big time to keep the US in it, making 5 spectacular saves. The game ended and went into a penalty shootout.

First up for Sweden was Louise Fors who scored into the lower left corner.

Next Shannon Boxx blasted the ball into the upper right crner.

Next up for Sweden was Lisa Dahlkvist who also shot into the lower left.

Kristin Hammarstrom blocked Megan Rapoine's shot.

Sweden's Linda Sembrandt got her shot in off the left post.

Carli Lloyd slammed her shot to the lower left corner.

Anna Paulson gave life to the USA when her shit went high ocer the crossbar.

Then Christie Rampone's shot hit the inside of the left post and behind Hammarsrtom, but not in.

Hope Solo kept the US alive as she blocked Lotta Schelin's shot.

Tina DiMartino shot to the left and the ball went through Hammarstrom's hands.

Emelie Olander shot the ball over the goal.

Then Angie Woznuk's shot was saved.

Stine Segerstrom then finished into the lower left corner.

Finally, Heather Mitts cracked her shot to the left post and Sweden earned 1st place.

Mitts was playing in her 100th game for the WNT, and is the 25th player to achieve it in the history of the team. Unfortunately, her 100th cap was not as great as she hoped it would be. Hope Solo went on to win the Best Player of the Tournament award, and was the woman of the match.

Algarve Cup Final Standings:

1. Sweden
2. USA
3. Denmark
4. Germany
5. China
6. Iceland
7. Finland
8. Portugal
9. Norway
10. Austria
11. Poland
12. Wales

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