Crosstown Rivals Team Up for Gold

Amy Rodriguez and Lauren Cheney are usually sworn enemies. A few months ago, Cheney was leading UCLA toward a national title in women's soccer when Rodriguez's USC squad upset the Bruins in the semifinals of the NCAA tournament.

On Thursday in Beijing, the pair's teamwork earned each an Olympic gold medal.

Playing for the U.S. in an overtime final against Brazil, Cheney one-touched the ball to Rodriguez, who played the ball off of her back heel to Carli Lloyd. After a touch outside the box, Lloyd blasted a shot into the lower left corner of the net.

-- Adam Rose
Photo: Carli Lloyd is surrounded by U.S. teammates after scoring in a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the women's soccer gold-medal game Thursday in Beijing. Credit: Luca Bruno / Associated Press