"Softball is dominated by the U.S.A.," said catcher Stacey Nuveman, who homered. "And that's just the way it is."

These women were a special unit, indeed, not just as a team but as a group united by a common goal and even more so by last month's death of Candrea's wife, Sue.

"It's been definitely an emotional thing for coach and it's definitely an emotional thing for the team," Bustos said. "Sue was with us the whole way."

Candrea drew courage from them during the toughest time of his life, and seconds after his players won their medals, they were there for him again.

They hugged their coach. They cried in his arms. They hoisted him in the air to chants of "U-S-A, U-S-A."

"I thanked them all for the greatest moment of my life," he said. "I will never forget the ride they put me on in these Olympic Games."

Nor will anyone forget this team — one that extended its winning streak to 79 games.

Four years ago in Sydney, the United States barely captured gold. This time, it was just a blink from perfection.

Fernandez, as always, led the way.

The right-hander was thrilled when Candera, who could have started Jennie Finch, gave her the ball against the Aussies — the closest thing the U.S. team has to a rival.

She didn't let him down. And she won it for his wife as much as she did for her teammates.

"The only way I could help him get through it was to at least bring home the gold," Fernandez said, her voice cracking.

As she spoke, Candrea covered his face.

During the game, he rubbed his wedding band. It reminded him of the only thing missing from the "greatest day of my life."

When he was chosen coach two years ago, Candrea issued a challenge to his players:

"One, to be special. And, two, to leave a legacy," he said. "I think this team has done that."