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U.S.A. Gold

THE STARS & Stripes were sparkling brightly Sunday evening.

A Red, White & Blue celebration played out in Vancouver, Canada, as the U.S women’s soccer team captured the coveted World Cup, just one day removed from Independence Day.

It marked the first time the U.S. women have laid claim to the World Cup crown since 1999. In the process, the Americans become the first nation to boast a three-time women champion.

The gold-medal winning performance was made even ever-sweeter by its 5-2 dismantling of Japan in the finals. The U.S. lost in the finals four years ago to the Japanese on penalty kicks.

The U.S. women’s march to the title was a work in progress, encompassing four years of hard, dedicated and passionate preparation. It spawned not only a gold-winning performance but also a wave of unbridled patriotism.

The World Cup taking up residence in the United States will undoubtedly spark an increased interest in soccer in this country, especially on the women’s side. Soccer is the poor stepchild to football, baseball, basketball and hockey in this country and in dire need of a shot-in-the-arm.

The stellar accomplishment of the U.S. women’s team is an ideal way to stoke soccer interest from coast-to-coast.

Carli Lloyd was the star of stars for the American booters. She capped the event with a remarkable three-goal outburst in the finale to earn the Golden Ball — signifying the tourney’s outstanding player.

The convincing triumph also enabled veteran star Abby Wambach to close out her brilliant career on the ultimate high. She was also a member of the 1999 World Cup champion squad.

Distinguishing yourself as the best in the world is a noteworthy achievement. The U.S. women were not the favorites heading into the World Cup, that distinction went to Germany, a team the U.S. defeated in the semifinals.

We salute all those involved with the U.S. women’s soccer team for a job well done. Red, White & Blue takes on an even more striking look when steeped in gold.

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