No. 2 USWNT win inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup

The GIST: The No. 2 USWNT won the inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup in front of a sold-out 30K person crowd last night, defeating No. 11 Brazil 1–0 — a much-needed trophy as this transitioning U.S. team begins to find their footing with the Paris Olympics just four months away. Up, up, and away they go.

How it happened: TBH, this was not a pretty performance from either side. Captain and midfielder Lindsey Horan scored the winning goal, a stellar first-half header, but it was the lone bright spot in an otherwise discombobulated championship game.

• But despite struggling to connect passes or create scoring opportunities, the Americans held on, showcasing their signature grit — even with waterlogged tired legs.

Zooming out: Winning the first-ever W Gold Cup is a fantastic boost for the evolving USWNT, especially after their tough group stage loss to Mexico. The technical execution wasn’t always there, but the must-win American mentality really shined in the knockout stage.

• TL;DR? This wasn’t a tourney performance that would win a gold medal in Paris, but there’s plenty for the Americans to build off — particularly when it comes to trusting their young players, like Golden Ball-winning forward Jaedyn Shaw.

• Up next? Hosting the ninth annual SheBelieves Cup, which starts April 6th and will feature Brazil, along with No. 8 Japan and No. 10 CanWNT. More footy, incoming.