The USWNT has looked flat on their feet on more than one occasion throughout the inaugural W Gold Cup, but refuse to fade into oblivion, progressing to the final against Brazil on Sunday.
After embarrassingly falling to Mexico in their group stage finale, the U.S. women stayed the course despite plenty of negativity. They dominated a talented and physical Colombia in the quarterfinals before outlasting rivals Canada in the semis, winning on a penalty shootout.
Amidst uncharacteristically hideous weather conditions in sunny San Diego, the U.S. twice saw their lead evaporate at the death of both regulation and extra time, forced to contest a penalty shootout in which goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher saved three spot-kicks and scored one of her own in a starring role.
Brazil have looked dominant throughout this tournament as one of three CONMEBOL guests to the North American competition, conceding just a single goal to this point and beating their two knockout stage opponents Argentina and Mexico by a combined 8-1 scoreline.
LIVE BLOG: Follow along with updates and highlights as the US goes for the W Gold Cup title vs Brazil
