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≡ BRAZIL 2, U.S. 1 ≡
The second half of the USA-Brazil women’s doubleheader was in San Jose, California, with the eighth-ranked Brazilians starting slow, but finishing with a hard-earned victory against the top-ranked Americans.
A very young team took the field for the U.S., with seven players appearing for the sixth time or less with the U.S. team and only one with more than 26. Sisters Alyssa and Giselle Thompson appeared in a game together for the second time, only the third pair of sisters to be on the U.S. women’s squad.
The U.S. got a lightning start on Saturday from Trinity Rodman in the fifth minute, but was even faster on Tuesday. Striker Alyssa Thompson dribbled out of the back and into the box, but her shot was blocked in front of the Brazilian goal. It came free and striker Catarina Macario maneuvered for a right-footed slam into the net past a last defender … after just 34 seconds!
But the 1-0 lead did not last.
The Brazilians decided the best offense was a good defense, and pressed the American back line – one on one – harassing the U.S. and keeping the ball in the U.S. zone. Finally, midfielder Gio Garbelini got control of the ball just beyond the box and sent a pass to striker Kerolin all alone on the left side. With plenty of room, she lined up a right-footed curveball over the head of American keeper Mandy McGlynn and into the far side of the net for the 1-1 tie in the 24th.
But the U.S. was not deterred, storming back with chances for Alyssa Thompson, Macario and then two shots by Alyssa Thompson again in the 35th, the first blocked by defender Isadora Haas at the goal line and then a second blocked in a scrum in front of the Brazilian net.
There were more chances in stoppage time, with Brazilian midfielder Yasmin sending a straight-on shot at goal over the American net, and U.S. forward Michelle Cooper taking a lead pass from Lily Yohannes and sending a rocket toward the Brazilian goal that was saved by Brazilian keeper Natascha.
Brazil ended up with 55% of possession in the half, but the U.S. had 11 shots to seven.
The visitors continued to apply pressure as the second half start, repeatedly running into the U.S. half, and in the 54th, Gio got control back in front of the American net and slammed a shot which was deflected just wide of the right side of an open net.
U.S. coach Emma Hayes (GBR) subbed in five more experienced players by the 58th, including midfield star Lindsey Heaps, who scored a penalty on Saturday. But even with more experienced players, Brazil maintained possession in the U.S. half, although chances were harder to come by.
But in the 85th, midfielder Sampaio sent a ball ahead of striker Gabi Portilho, whose right-footed shot was saved by McGlynn. Shortly thereafter, Karolin’s shot from the middle of the box was also saved by McGlynn, but with the rebound spilling out in front of the net. Substitute defender Luany had a chance to score, but sent her shot over the net … to her own disbelief.
Undaunted, Brazil got a fast break again in stoppage time, with Luany behind the defense, then dribbled and sent a right-footed pass from right to left into the box to sub forward Amanda Gutierres, who finished easily for a 2-1 lead at 90+5.
Substitute U.S. striker Ally Sentnor got a chance at 90+7 from the middle of the box, but sent the ball over the net and the match ended with Brazil’s first win against the Americans since December 2014. The U.S. had won nine in a row against Brazil, but not this time.
The Brazilians ended with 58% of possession, dominated the second half and finished with 19 shots to 18 for the U.S.
In Hayes’ 20th match as the U.S. coach, it was only her third loss against 16 wins and a tie. The American women will be back in action with two matches against China – in St. Paul and St. Louis – on 31 May and 3 June.
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