Mullinix Steps Up as U.S. Claims Title in Gold Cup

The No. 1 team in the world officially has a new No. 1 goalkeeper.

Siri Mullinix made five saves for her 10th shutout and Tiffeny Milbrett scored in the 44th minute Monday night as the U.S. women’s soccer team won its fifth title of the year, beating Brazil, 1-0, in the championship game of the Gold Cup.

After the game, Coach April Heinrichs said what has become obvious: Mullinix has surpassed injured World Cup hero Briana Scurry as the team’s top goalkeeper. “I think we all get a sense that Siri Mullinix is playing big-time soccer,” Heinrichs said. “The decision as to who is our No. 1 goalkeeper right now is easy.”

The U.S. is 17-3-3 this year and 41-0-1 in tournament play on home soil since 1990.

Brazil and the United States played to a 0-0 draw at this same stadium in group play last week.

In Monday’s rematch, before 20,123 at Foxboro Stadium, Brazil had trouble getting the ball out of its own end early in the game, and the U.S. team’s deft passing attack kept the pressure on.

Mullinix was at her best when she came off the line and rolled on the ground to kick the ball away from Cidinha on a breakaway in the 60th minute.

Mullinix has given up only three goals--two on penalty kicks--in 14 games this year in place of Scurry, who has shin splints. “This is the first time I’ve had to play three big games in a row,” said Mullinix, who hadn’t started a U.S. national game until this year. “The first wonder is, ‘Can I play at this level?’ I felt I accomplished that.”

Milbrett’s speed and flair made her a dangerous force throughout. She gave the U.S. the lead with a one-touch, 12-yard shot with her left foot on an assist from Mia Hamm. It was Milbrett’s 76th international goal in 147 appearances.

Brazilian goalkeeper Maravilha, who entered the game at halftime after starter Andreia injured her leg, made a nice leaping save on Hamm’s drive in the 82nd minute.

China beat Canada, 2-1, in the third-place game.