Heather Mitts hit a post with her seventh-round shot, and Sweden held on to defeat the United States, 4-3, on penalty kicks following a 1-1 tie last night in the final of the Algarve Cup women's soccer tournament at Faro, Portugal.

Sweden went ahead on a 19th-minute goal by Lotta Schelin after a defensive blunder by Shannon Boxx. But the favored United States, seeking its third straight title in the 12-team invitational tournament, rallied when Boxx tapped in a 90th-minute equalizer at the back post.

Natasha Kai, a Kahuku High and University of Hawai'i alum, started at forward for the United States.

U.S. MEN RANKED 17TH

The United States moved up three spots to 17th in the March FIFA rankings, the highest the Americans have been on the list since August 2007.

Following a 2-0 victory over Mexico last month in a World Cup qualifier at Columbus, Ohio, the United States rose for the fourth straight month. Mexico went up one spot to 23rd. Spain remained first for the ninth consecutive month.

SKIING

VONN WINS OVERALL

Lindsey Vonn captured the overall title for the second straight year by winning the last downhill of the season yesterday at Are, Sweden at the World Cup Finals. She is the first American woman to win two World Cup overall crowns.

"It's amazing," she said. "It's been a long season and it's been really difficult and challenging, but I'm really happy that it's over. Winning today and finishing out the season strongly means a lot to me."