US Women fall in penalties in Algarve Cup Final

The US Womens Soccer Team staged a 2nd half rally but ultimately lost a penalty kick shootout to Sweden in the finals of the Algarve Cup in Portugal.  Sweden grabbed the initiative and lead with a 19th minute goal from Lotta Schelin.  The American women were forced to rally in the second half.  The US women pushed all 2nd half, but were unable to beat Swedish goalkeeper Kristin Hammarstrom.  On the other end, US keeper Hope Solo held the fort as the US took chances going forward.   After ten shots and six corners the US Women still were down 1-0 and time was running short.

In injury time, Megan Rampinoe slid a ball across the box that found Shannon Boxx alone on the backpost to slam home the tying goal.  The match went straight to penalties rather than have the traditional overtime periods.  The shootout turned in the second round after Sweden converted their 2nd, American Megan Rampinoe's shot was saved by Hammarstrom.  In the 5th round it was up to Hope Solo who made a great save to allow Tina DiMartino to score and send it to sudden death pk's.    Both sides missed their 6th kicks and then Sweden knocked home their 7th shot.  Heather Mitts had to score for the US but rifled it off the post and out.  Sweden won the shootout 4-3 and the 2009 Algarve Cup.