The American women’s team defeated Brazil 2-0 on Sunday in the team’s second SheBelieves Cup match. The goal for the opening of the match 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 exciting results as the USWNT quickly tried to set pace from the first whistle. The payout took place early when Linsdey Horan provided a breakthrough for Press and let her shot from the edge of the goal cage put the USA ahead early. Look:
The Brazilians were able to create and generate their own attack, which gave the American defense problems to the right of Marta and the company. But they could not find an equalizer to close out the first half, despite being dangerous in the final third quarter. Many of Brazil’s chances have been turned down thanks to the recovery of Crystal Dunn.
The open game continued into the second half between the two sides, with the USWNT still providing good link between Dunn and Press. Brazil continued to play in the pockets of space as the two sides found more time for each other’s halves. The USWNT ended the match 17-10 with Brazil.
Brazil’s attempts to make the ball appear on the ball in the late transition were a handful for the backline to handle, although the defense seemed much more established as Julie Ertz sat deeper in the defense to beat the US defend.
Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe presented themselves as attacking options for USWNT in the 70th minute, and Rapinoe’s impact on the match in the 88th minute provided the assured goal for the USA and a tribute to teammates and new mothers, Ali Krieger and Ashlyn, supply. Harris.
Player Ratings
Let’s look at some player ratings of the game, with a 1 rating as an early red card being sent off, while a 10 is a hat trick match.
Christen Press, USWNT: The first goal was to give the team an early lead and was constantly moving off the ball, with an excellent link with Williams and Dunn. Rating: 8
Crystal Dunn, USWNT: Excellent play from the outside to get involved in the attack and deliver defensive repairs where the backline coverage was lacking. Rating: 8.5
Emily Sonnett, USWNT: Not a great day outside the office, as the space she left behind was constantly exposed during Brazil’s first half. She fared better in moments during the second half. Rating: 5.5
Debinha, Brazil: The 2019 NWSL Championship MVP had another strong match at the top line for Brazil, but the lack of combination of play from others around her generated frustration. Rating: 7.5
Marta, Brazil: The iconic Brazilian midfielder generated numerous opportunities on the ball to fuel Brazil’s attack, while also playing lower to cover and defend as needed: Rating: 7
Ludmila, Brazil: Her constant movement to and from the ball provided dangerous moments for Brazil in last third place, but the team could not get her in better positions throughout the match. Rating: 7