Posted on August 14, 2012
Midfielder Carli Lloyd, who recorded a brace for the United States in its 2-1 gold-medal triumph over Brazil at Wembley Stadium last Thursday, was selected as the TropiGol.com’s women’s player of the week.
Lloyd was honored for the week ending on Sunday, Aug. 12.
The Delran, N.J. native scored on either side of halftime for the Americans as she became the first player to score game-winning goals in back-to-back gold-medal encounters.
Lloyd slotted hom Alex Morgan’s short feed from the left side in the eighth minute and gave the U.S. some breathing room with one of her patented long blasts—a left-footed from 20 yards — past goalkeeper Miho Fukumoto in the 54th minute.
She started the tournament on the bench as Lauren Cheney and Shannon Boxx were slated as the starting central midfielders. But an injury to Boxx in the tournament opener pushed Lloyd into the Starting XI and she never left.
“I was on a mission this Olympics to prove everybody wrong and that’s what I did,” Lloyd said.
“I knew I had a big job. Had to seize the moment. I worked hard and when someone tells me I’m not good enough to start I’m going to prove them wrong. I was probably the most consistent player all tournament.”
Lloyd, who finished with four goals, even received a public apology from Sundhage.
“She has proven that I was wrong before the Olympics,” she said. “I am happy she was more clever than I was.”
Photo: Carli Lloyd struck twice for the U.S. in the gold-medal match. Andy Mead/YCJ
Categories: North America, Olympic Qualifying, U.S.A., Women
Tags: 2012 London Olympics, Carli Lloyd, Lauren Cheney, Pia Sundhage, Shannon Boxx
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