USWNT Defeats Brazil in First Ever Pro Women's Sport Event at SoFi
The last time the two sides met, the U.S. took gold after winning 1-0 in the 2024 Olympic final.
The U.S. Women’s National Team secured a 2-0 win in the first of two friendlies against Brazil on Saturday.
The last time the two sides met, the U.S. took gold after winning 1-0 in the 2024 Olympic final. This rematch also marked the first time a professional women’s sports event was held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., drawing a crowd of 32,303.
The starting lineup consisted of Phallon Tullis-Joyce in the net, and Emily Fox, Tara McKeown, Emily Sonnett, and Crystal Dunn holding the backline. Ally Sentnor, Sam Coffey, and Lindsey Heaps took the midfield with Rodman and Alyssa Thompson playing further up, and Catarina Macario taking the striker role.
Goalkeeper Tullis-Joyce and defender Avery Patterson both earned their first caps for the national team.
The U.S started off well with Rodman slotting in a goal at the 5th minute. Alyssa Thompson gave the assist after running down the midfield and dropping her defender, then sending the ball down the middle to meet Rodman’s run into the box.
“I’m excited to get more towards the goal and to have those explosive runs, to have quick finishes rather than having to create by myself every time,” Rodman said after the match, which also marked her return to the national team since the Olympic final.
Thompson was a standout throughout the game, creating chances, dropping defenders, and getting several shots on goal.
Though the Brazilian team’s attacking plays and early pressure tested the U.S. midfield and defense, which seemed disjointed at times, the Americans won 55.5% of duels. Both teams showed their physicality, with the U.S. drawing 15 fouls and Brazil drawing 18.
Shortly after subbing in at the second half, Lily Yohannes drew a penalty at the 64th minute. Heaps converted the penalty, doubling the USWNT’s lead.
Tullis-Joyce was visibly excited following the game. The Manchester United keeper made six saves and earned her first clean sheet in her debut.
“I’m really lucky to have such an incredible team, like it’s the U.S. Women’s National Team,” she said. “It’s crazy that I’m wearing this crest right now.”
Head Coach Emma Hayes said the team needs to work on keeping possession, as well as figuring out whether they should be quick in the final third or recycle the ball.
“We’re not afraid to back press, we’re not afraid to go player-for-player in situations, but we need to be a little more decisive in the decision-making and execution of things,” she said.
Hayes has emphasized these games and upcoming camps will focus on experimentation and developing the less experienced players. She will need to drip-feed the younger players into the games as to not set them up for failure, she said Friday.
The U.S. will play Brazil again on Tuesday, April 8 in San Jose, Calif.