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Posted at 10:52 a.m., Wednesday, March 14, 2007

U.S. women capture soccer's Algarve Cup

Associated Press

VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTONIO, Portugal — The United States won the Algarve Cup for the fifth time, beating Denmark 2-0 in today's final on goals by Kristine Lilly and Carli Lloyd.

Lilly scored in the 11th minute after Abby Wambach chipped the ball over the defense. Goalkeeper Heidi Johansen came off her line and Lilly, the U.S. captain, scored from 23 yards, her 119th international goal.

Lloyd scored her fourth goal in four games from 24 yards in the 50th minute. Her shot, off a header from Wambach, hit the bottom of the crossbar, bounced down and back up into the roof of the net. Lloyd, who entered the tournament with one international goal, was top scorer at the tournament and was selected Most Valuable Player.

"It was amazing. We're really flowing," Lloyd said.

The United States also won the Algarve Cup in 2000 and from 2003-5. In January, the Americans beat host China 2-0 on their way to winning the Four Nations Tournament.

Natasha Kai, a Kahuku High and University of Hawai'i alum, had a shot on goal for the United States.

U.S. coach Greg Ryan added more veteran players to his roster for this tournament.

"I'm very happy with this win, especially as it's the first time I've had all the squad together," Ryan said. "This was great for our confidence, especially for the younger players."

Teams are preparing for the Women's World Cup, to be played in China from Sept. 10-30. The Americans have upcoming exhibition games against Mexico (April 14 at Foxborough, Mass.), Canada (May 12 at Frisco, Texas), China (June 16 at Cleveland) and Brazil (June 23 at East Rutherford, N.J.). They also plan additional games on July 14 and 28, and Aug. 12 and 25.

Sweden beat France 3-1 in the third-place game, Norway defeated Finland 2-0 to finish fifth, Italy upset defending World Cup champion German 1-0 for seventh and Iceland beat China 4-1 for ninth. Ireland beat Portugal 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 0-0 tie to finish 11th.