ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, August 2, 1996 TAG: 9608020049
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: ATHENS, GA.
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
MEMO: shorter version ran in the Metro edition.
THE AMERICANS EDGE China 2-1 to finish the Games undefeated and win the first Olympic women's soccer title.
For more than a year, the goals were simple: an Olympic gold medal and vindication.
Thursday night, the U.S. women's soccer team got both.
The United States won the first Olympic women's soccer title with a 2-1 victory over China. Goals by Shannon MacMillan in the 19th minute and Tiffeny Milbrett in the 62nd clinched it before 78,481 fans at Sanford Stadium. Sun Wen scored for China's goal in the 32nd.
The bronze medal went to Norway, which downed Brazil 2-0 in a game played earlier Thursday in the same stadium.
The victory ended a year-long journey for the American women, who lost their World Cup title to Norway in 1995. They pointed toward the Olympics for their vindication, and got it by beating Norway in the semifinals. They then downed the Chinese in their second meeting of the tournament.
The United States finished the tournament 4-0-1. China was 3-1-1. The teams tied 0-0 in the opening round.
The Americans went ahead in the 19th minute when Kristine Lilly broke down the left and crossed into the penalty box. A shot by Mia Hamm was palmed onto the goalpost by goalkeeper Gao Hong. MacMillan ran in to put the rebound in the net from 10 yards.
The American forwards looked impressive, but were caught out of position in the 32nd minute when China tied it.
Milbrett's goal in the 62nd minute was an expertly made move.
Defender Fawcett broke down the right from MacMillan's forward pass, ran clear of the defense and had the chance to win it herself.
Instead of shooting from a tight angle, she spotted Milbrett uncovered on the left. Milbrett drew the goalkeeper off her line and played a sideways pass into the empty space. She side-footed the ball home from 8 yards.
LENGTH: Short : 46 linesby CNB