Extra time game winner launches USA Women’s Olympic soccer team to Gold Medal game vs. Brazil

As the game looked to be headed to a penalty shootout, one U.S. woman had different plans for how the game was to end.  Sophia Smith of the USA women’s soccer team has been an absolute gem on the pitch this Olympic tournament.  The 23-year-old has scored some very important goals for the past week, but none greater than the late goal in the 120thminute of extra time to clinch an Olympic finals gold medal game matchup against Brazil.  Germany had given the Americans all that they could handle in the semifinal matchup and played extremely aggressively, committing 20 fouls and 6 shots on target.  The USA women’s soccer team was not to be denied this year from a gold medal game (final) matchup that would include a surprising Brazil team that would make for an interesting matchup with two very unique styles of play.  Ball possession was key for the Americans vs. Germany maintained the ball 55%, however in order to secure a gold medal, they will need to find a way to increase the percentage of ball possession against Brazil, which is a team that thrives on counter attacks but maintaining ball possession throughout the game.  The Gold Medal match will take place on Saturday, August 10that the Parc des Princes, Paris.