August 21, 2008 US beats Brazil 1-0 for gold medal

BEIJING (AP) - The defending champion United States has won the gold medal in women's soccer for the third time in four Olympics, beating Brazil 1-0 in overtime Thursday.

Carli Lloyd scored in the sixth minute of extra time for the Americans, who beat the Brazilians for a second straight Olympic final. Amy Rodriguez held off two Brazilians and put the ball up for Lloyd who left-footed it from a yard outside the area. Barbara dived, but the ball scooted past her and settled in the far bottom corner of the net.

Marta gave Brazil a chance in the 102nd minute, but she was tackled by Heather Mitts. Marta got the ball back, but was blocked first by Kate Markgraf and then by Christie Rampone.

Earlier, world champion Germany defeated Japan 2-0 in the bronze medal game.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)