United States Olympians took up residence atop the medals podium Thursday with dominant performances in vastly different arenas.
With team gold medals in women’s soccer and women’s water polo and individual golds in three other events, the U.S. widened its medals lead over China to 90-80 on Day 13 of the games.
The U.S. highlights:
Women’s soccer: Carli Lloyd scored in each half, Hope Solo made a couple of big stops and the U.S. won its third straight gold medal, beating Japan 2-1 and avenging a defeat in last year’s World Cup final.
The teams played before 80,203 at Wembley Stadium, a record crowd for a women’s soccer game at the Olympics.
Women’s boxing: American middleweight Claressa Shields, 17, who won the U.S. trials in Spokane, was too much for Russian opponent Nadezda Torlopova. She posted a 19-12 victory in the bout for the gold medal.
Women’s water polo: Maggie Steffens scored five times and the U.S. beat Spain 8-5 to take the Olympic tournament for the first time.
Decathlon: Ashton Eaton, who set the world record at the U.S. trials in Eugene, and Trey Hardee finished gold-silver for the Americans.
Men’s triple jump: U.S. jumpers Christian Taylor and Will Clay finished gold-silver.
Today in Sports: Find complete coverage on Pages B1 and B5.
