Big win, big flag - 450-pound banner to honor soccer champs

NEW YORK (AP) -- Officials say they've unfurled the world's largest free-flying American flag from the George Washington Bridge as a tribute to the World Cup soccer champions.

USA teammates Becky Sauerbrunn, left, and Meghan Klingenberg celebrate following their win over Japan at the FIFA Women's World Cup soccer championship in Vancouver (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press via AP)

The 450-pound flag was flown Friday as New York City threw a ticker-tape parade for the players.

Its stripes are about 5 feet wide. The stars measure about 4 feet in diameter. It's hung yearly for Flag Day on the bridge that connects New York City with New Jersey.

"Jersey girls" played a big role in the victory over Japan on Sunday.

The game featured a hat trick by Delran native Carli Lloyd, a former Rutgers player. Tobin Heath, of Basking Ridge, scored another goal.

The team also includes midfielder Heather O'Reilly, from East Brunswick, and defender Christie Rampone, from Point Pleasant.