Stephanie Cox

BEIJING, China — Recent University of Portland graduate Stephanie Cox helped the US earn the Olympic gold medal in women’s soccer last month.

The Americans defeated Brazil, 1-0 in overtime, and Cox entered the match in the second extra period and was part of a defense that withstood a furious Brazilian assault in the contest’s waning moments.

The triumph earned the US women’s soccer squad its second gold medal in as many Olympics as the Americans finished the tournament with a 5-1 record, including a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada and Cox’s former teammates, current Pilot Sophie Schmidt and fellow alumna and two-time college player of the year Christine Sinclair.

A three-time All-American Cox (formerly Lopez) helped lead the Pilots to the 2005 NCAA Championship and three conference crowns.