With a streak of three consecutive matches with a goal, Rutgers alum and New Jersey native had already established herself as a national star. However, what she did in the United States' 5-2 victory over Japan in the World Cup final cemented her place in U.S. Soccer history.
The star midfielder tallied a hat trick, with all three goals coming in the first 16 minutes of play, to propel U.S. to its first World Cup title since 1999.
Lloyd opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, streaking through the box on a corner kick to knock in a low cross.