The U.S. women’s national team defeated Brazil, 2-0, in the team’s second SheBelieves Cup match on Sunday. The game-opening goal was provided by Christen Press in the 11th minute, and Megan Rapinoe added the second in the 88th minute.
An open first half between the two teams provided some thrilling results as the USWNT quickly tried to establish tempo from the first whistle. The payoff came early as Linsdey Horan provided a through ball to Press and her shot from the edge of the box gave the U.S. an early lead. Take a look:
The Brazilians were able to create and generate their own attack, giving the U.S. defense problems along the right side from Marta and company. But they were unable to find an equalizer to close out the first half despite getting into dangerous spots in the final third. Many of Brazil’s chances were shut down thanks to recoveries from Crystal Dunn.
The open play continued into the second half between the two sides, with the USWNT still providing good link-up play between Dunn and Press. Brazil continued to play into pockets of space as the two sides found more time each other’s respective half. The USWNT ended the game out-shooting Brazil 17-10.
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Brazil’s late-game attempts on the ball in transition proved a handful for the backline to deal with, though the defense looked far more settled as Julie Ertz sat deeper defensively to provide defensive coverage for the U.S.
Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe subbed on as attacking options for USWNT in the 70th minute, and Rapinoe’s impact on the game came in the 88th minute to provide the insurance goal for as the U.S. and a homage to teammates and new mothers, Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris.
Player ratings
Let’s take a look at some player ratings from the match with a 1 rating being an early red card send off while a 10 is a hat-trick level game.
Christen Press, USWNT: Provided the opening goal to give the team an early lead and had constant movement off the ball with great link-up play with Williams and Dunn. Rating: 8
Crystal Dunn, USWNT: Outstanding play from the outside back to get involved in the attack and provide defensive recoveries where the backline coverage was lacking. Rating: 8.5
Emily Sonnett, USWNT: Not a great day at the office for the outside back as the space she left got exposed constantly throughout the first half from Brazil. She did better in moments during the second half. Rating: 5.5
Debinha, Brazil: The 2019 NWSL championship MVP had another strong game on the top line for Brazil, but lack of combining play from others around her presented some frustration. Rating: 7.5
Marta, Brazil: The iconic Brazilian midfielder generated tons of opportunities on the ball to try and power Brazil’s attack, while also playing lower to cover and defend when necessary: Rating: 7
Ludmila, Brazil: Her constant movement on and off the ball provided dangerous moments for Brazil in the final third, but the team was unable to get her into better positions throughout the match. Rating: 7
