The United States Women's National Team claimed the CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship with a 2-0 victory over Canada at BBVA Compass Stadium on Sunday evening.
Lindsey Horan and Tobin Heath provided the goals for the U.S., who finished the tournament with no losses or draws, and an unblemished defensive record. Houston Dash midfielder Morgan Brian was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, and Dash teammates Carli Lloyd and Allysha Chapman joined her in the tournament's Best XI.
"She was exceptional," USWNT head coach Jill Ellis said of Brian's performance following the final. "She solves pressure, connects passes, can help us in build-up, can get forward. She's just so versatile and comfortable. She changes our game in terms of tempo."
For Brian, Lloyd, Chapman, and Janine Beckie, the tournament was also a first chance to play in front of the home Houston fans before the Dash season kicks off on April 16.
"It's been awesome, I love Houston," Brian told media on Sunday. "I feel at home when I come back here to play at BBVA Compass Stadium.
"Canada was one of the first teams we played this year that has been a really good opponent, and so for us it was about putting together a really good performance and putting together the pieces, and I think we did that tonight and we're on the right track."
