They did it.

The U.S. Women’s National Team became the first to win three World Cups thanks an incredible offensive onslaught from captain Carli Lloyd and staunch defense from Nittany Lion Ali Krieger, among others. Team USA was historically dominant in this game and tournament. There’s really no other way to say it.

We're an hour away from kickoff in the #WCFinal on FOX. Starting defender Ali Krieger has come a long way. #WeBelieve pic.twitter.com/jqMzFdkNk0

— Onward State (@OnwardState) July 5, 2015

If you didn’t watch the game, you missed history. After decent wins and a tie in the group stage, Team USA soundly defeated Colombia and China before an impressive win over Germany. Then, in the World Cup Final with the world’s eyes on them, the Americans straight-up destroyed Team Japan. Lloyd scored a casual hat trick in the first 16 minutes of the game, supplemented by a Lauren Holiday marker in the fourteenth minute. Japan got one back before halftime and another early in the second half, but it’s hard to beat a team playing like the U.S. was. Tobin Heath scored right after Japan’s second to finish the scoring and give Team USA the win. After averaging 1.5 goals per game entering the final, Team USA dropped five on the other finalist.

At the end of the match, after the dust had settled, two Penn State alumnae were amongst the World Cup winners. Ali Krieger played in every game for the U.S. and its stifling defense that allowed a whole three goals through seven games. Alyssa Naeher never played in the tournament (being backup goalie to Hope Solo makes it hard to find the spotlight), but is still a winner.

Watching this World Cup was a wild ride and was one of the most exciting times to be not only a Penn State fan, but an American sports fan in recent memory. Congratulations to Ali Krieger, Alyssa Naeher, and the United States of America.

About the Author

Doug Leeson

Doug is a sophomore and Onward State's Assistant Managing Editor. Dislikes: popcorn, Rutgers, and a low #TimberCount. Likes: "Frozen," Rec Hall, and you. Contact him via email at dougleeson@onwardstate.com or on Twitter @DougLeeson.

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