USWNT Recap: United States 1 - Brazil 0
The U.S. captured the inaugural W Gold Cup title following a shutout against Brazil!
The United States returned to action Sunday evening in search of adding another trophy to the case as they faced Brazil in the Concacaf W Gold Cup final.
There were two changes for interim Twila Kilgore, as the US shifted to a 4-4-2 formation. Alyssa Naeher started in goal following an impressive performance in the Semifinal. Crystal Dunn, Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, and Emily Fox formed the backline. Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, and Rose Lavelle were in the midfield, while Trinity Rodman and Alex Morgan were up top.
Rodman nearly got the U.S. on the board in the 23rd minute when she found space on the right flank. She whipped a cross centrally towards who leaped into the air but couldn’t get a head to the ball as it deflected off a Brazilian defender and out for a corner kick.
Horan nearly found the opening goal in the 40th minute after she got onto the end of a Lavelle corner kick and looked to head the ball into the net. Horan’s header was on frame but directed right toward the goalkeeper.
As the seconds ticked down in first-half stoppage time, the United States looked to put together one last offensive effort. Rodman got onto a ball lobbed down the right flank and saved it from rolling out for a goal kick. She cut the ball back to Fox who ripped a cross centrally, where Horan leaped into the air and lasered a header past Luciana and into the net to give the United States a 1-0 lead right before halftime.
The United States held on through the closing minutes as they secured a 1-0 victory and, more importantly, the inaugural W Gold Cup title. Sunday’s title marks the first for the interim head coach.
On top of the W Gold Cup, the United States and its players received tournament honors. After racking up four goals in the competition, Jaedyn Shaw received “Best Player” honors. Alyssa Naeher received “Best Goalkeeper” honors and the United States as a whole received the Fair Play Award.
Kilgore and the United States will return to action in April as they participate in the SheBelieves Cup, where they will face Japan on April 6 and will look to book their ticket to the final on April 9.