Last Updated on March 19, 2024 by BVN
Jon D. Gaede | BVN Sports
The US Women’s national soccer team was victorious over Brazil at Snap Dragon Stadium in San Diego, winning the first Confederation of North, Central and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Gold Cup in front of 31,000 fans.
This year’s inaugural Gold Cup for women mirrored the men’s Gold Cup tradition, held every two years among North American national soccer teams. The tournament began qualifying round matches on February 20th and concluded on March 10th with Sunday’s final at Snap Dragon.
The competition included the United States, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Salvador.
Brazil handled Mexico 3-0 in the semifinal, but team USA survived a tougher match against Canada in their semifinal. Playing on a rain soaked pitch to a 2-2 tie after regulation, the U.S. women won on a shootout to reach Sundays final.
Led by an interim coach, at this point, the U.S. women needed this tournament to validate who they are. This hard-fought Gold Cup victory certainly helps replace the collective memories and bad feelings from early exits at the Tokyo Olympic Games and World Cup 2023. A redemption of sorts and a trophy to hoist over their heads can potentially reset the attitude and confidence of the team going forward.
The “Golden ball” was awarded to impressive, young 19-year old U.S midfielder Jaeden Shaw, as the best overall player in the tournament. Shaw plays for the local San Diego Wave in the NWSL, scoring four times for the U.S. in the Gold Cup and may have played herself onto the Olympic roster for Paris this summer. USA’s Alyssa Naeher was awarded the “Golden Glove” as best keeper with four shutouts.
Team USA will now prepare for Japan on April 6th in the ‘SheBelieves Cup’ to be played at Mercedes Benz Field in Atlanta. Brazil will face Canada on the same day, winning sides to play each other on April 9th.