The US women’s national team beat Brazil 2-0 in the second match of the SheBelieves Cup on Sunday. The 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 yielded some exciting results as the USWNT quickly tried to set the pace from the first whistle. The payout came early when Linsdey Horan thrubed Press and her shot from the edge of the penalty area gave the US an early lead. Look:
The Brazilians were able to create and generate their own attack, causing problems for the American defense along the right side of Marta and the company. But they were unable to find an equalizer to finish the first half, despite getting into dangerous spots in the last third. Many of Brazil’s opportunities were closed thanks to recovery actions by Crystal Dunn.
Open play continued into the second half between the two teams, with the USWNT still providing a good connection between Dunn and Press. Brazil continued to play in space as the two sides found more time for each other’s respective halves. The USWNT ended the game, beating Brazil 17-10.
Brazil’s late attempts at the ball in transition proved to be a handful for the backline to deal with, although the defense looked much calmer as Julie Ertz sat deeper defensively to provide defensive cover for the US.
Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe went on as attack 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 the US and a tribute to teammates and new mothers, Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris.
Player ratings
Let’s take a look at some of the game’s player ratings, where a 1 rating is an early red card, while a 10 is a hat-trick level game.
Christian Press, USWNT: Provided the opening goal to give the team an early lead and had consistent ball movement with great connecting play with Williams and Dunn. Rating: 8
Crystal Dunn, USWNT: Excellent outside play to get involved in the attack and provide defensive recovery where backline coverage was lacking. R.ating: 8.5
Emily Sonnett, USWNT: Not a great day at the office for the outside as the space she left was constantly exposed during the first half from Brazil. She did better at times during the second half. Rating: 5.5
Debinha, Brazil: The 2019 NWSL Championship MVP had another strong front row appearance for Brazil, but the lack of play from others around her caused some frustration. Rating: 7.5
Marta, Brazil: The iconic Brazilian midfielder generated plenty of opportunities on the ball to power Brazil’s attack, while also playing lower to cover and defend when needed: Rating: 7
Ludmila, Brazil: Her constant movements on and off the ball created dangerous moments for Brazil in the last third, but the team failed to get her in better positions during the game. Rating: 7