The United States has never won an Olympic medal in rugby sevens, and their bronze medal match against Australia ended in total surprise fashion.
Trailing 12-7 with just seconds left and pinned down in their own half, the Americans did everything they could to move the ball up the field, with Alexandria Cedric being the hero as she escaped a tackle, sprinted across the goal line and scored the tying try with just seconds left on the clock.
Cedric then scored a goal and the U.S. won 14-12 to claim its first bronze medal in the sport.
The United States lost its semifinal match against New Zealand early Tuesday morning, but its bronze medal hopes remained after the first half of the game ended with the score tied at 7-7.
Both teams engaged in a tense battle, but Australia appeared to have the upper hand late in the game when a try from Madison Levy put them up 12-7. But Tia Hines missed a goal conversion and Australia smashed the ball deep to put the USA near the endline with just seconds left.
The U.S. managed to find a small opening and Cedric escaped a tackle and raced down the field to score the winning goal, giving the U.S. their first ever medal.
The rugby sevens final will be played on Tuesday, with Canada and New Zealand competing for the gold medal.
