Lloyd's three goals help US rout Japan, 5-2, for Women's World Cup title - Charleston Post Courier
And with it came the Americans’ elusive third Women’s World Cup title. Lloyd scored three times as the U. S. burst to a four-goal lead in the first 16 minutes, and the Americans overwhelmed defending champion Japan, 5-2, Sunday for their record third championship and first since 1999. A sellout crowd that included U.... “I was just on a mission,” Lloyd said. Lloyd, voted the Golden Ball as player of the tournament, scored twice in a span of about 135 seconds as the U. S. led 2-0 by the fifth minute. Lauren Holiday boosted the lead in the 14th and two minutes later Lloyd made it 4-0 with an audacious 54-yard, right-footed shot from midfield that sailed over goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori. Japan closed on Yuki Ogimi’s goal in the 27th and an own goal by Julie Johnston in the 52nd. Tobin Heath scored two minutes later for the Americans, who had struggled in the World Cup since winning the inaugural tournament in 1991 and then again... Christie Rampone, the only holdover from the 1999 team, lifted the trophy with Wambach, the 35-year-old former FIFA Player of the Year who lost her regular starting job with age. Wambach was among the most vocal opponents of FIFA’s decision to play the tournament on artificial turf. Source: www.postandcourier.com
