U.S. WINS WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

The United States Women’s National Team opened a big lead in the early stages of the match and defeated Japan 5-2 on Sunday evening to win the Women’s World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Carli Lloyd scored three goals, all in the first half, and was voted the Golden Ball as player of the tournament. No player had ever scored three goals in the Women’s World Cup final. The United States won the title for the third time, but for the first since 1999.

Lloyd scored in the third, fifth and 16^th minutes as the U.S. got a measure of vengeance, having lost to Japan in the championship game in 2011.

“I’m so proud and so zapped at the same time,” Lloyd said. “It doesn’t feel real. We just made history.”

Hope Solo was honored with the Golden Glove Award as the tournament’s top keeper. Solo allowed a total of three goals in the United States’ seven games. The American defense set a Women’s World Cup record by holding opponents scoreless for 540 minutes.

GOLF

Danny Lee won a four-player playoff at The Greenbrier Classic in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. He parred the second extra hole for the victory, his first on the PGA Tour.

COMPETITIVE EATING

Matt Stonie scarfed down 62 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes on Saturday to defeat eight-time champion Joey Chestnut at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at New York’s Coney Island. Chestnut munched through 60 dogs, far off the record 69 he consumed last year. Women’s defending champ Miki Sudo won by consuming 38 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Sonya “Black Widow” Thomas finished second, with 31.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .