The only way the United States could establish and maintain its dominance in their third-place match against Canada was to control the midfield. And, right there, leading every attack and covering up on defence, was the Americans' newest midfielder star Shannon Boxx.

Boxx scored what proved to be the decisive goal as the Americans topped Canada with two second-half goals. Boxx tallied just six minutes into the second half when she out jumped the Canadian defence to head home a shot that put the U.S. in front for good. She also helped create the Americans' third goal when she drew a foul just inside Canadian territory that Kristine Lilly turned into a perfect feed to Tiffeny Milbrett.

"She was the player who made the difference in the American midfield," said TSG member Fran Hilton-Smith, who selected Boxx as the Bud Light Player of the Match.

"She was a big organising influence," Hilton-Smith said. "She drove her team mates forward, and she scored the goal that virtually gave the Americans the win."

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