In a thrilling match held in San Jose, California, Brazil edged out the United States with a 2-1 victory in stoppage time. Amanda Gutierres, who came in as a substitute, scored the decisive goal, marking Brazil’s first win against the United States since December 2014. This match was the second in a series of exhibitions, after the U.S. team defeated Brazil to secure the gold medal at last year’s Paris Olympics.
The game started with a bang for the U.S. team as Catarina Macario scored just 34 seconds into the match. This impressive goal was set up by Alyssa Thompson, who dashed down the left flank, allowing Macario to net her tenth career goal after maneuvering past Brazil’s goalkeeper, Natascha, who was featuring for only the fourth time.
Brazil managed to equalize in the 24th minute when Kerolin launched a long-range shot that Mandy McGlynn, the U.S. goalkeeper, was unable to save. This goal was only the ninth conceded by the United States since their coach Emma Hayes took the reins last May. The decisive moment for Brazil came when Gutierres capitalized on a cross from Luany deep into stoppage time, carving a memorable victory for the Brazilian squad.
For the United States, McGlynn was making her third start, as coach Hayes continues to assess her goalkeeping options following the retirement of veteran Alyssa Naeher. Phallon Tullis-Joyce had taken the spot in the previous match against Brazil, as the team looks to solidify their roster.
Notably absent was Trinity Rodman, who sat out the match in San Jose as a precautionary measure, following recovery from a back injury. At the Olympics, she was part of the formidable “Triple Espresso” attacking lineup. Her teammates from that lineup, Sophia Wilson (formerly Smith), is on maternity leave, and Mallory Swanson is unavailable due to personal matters.
During the match, siblings Alyssa and Gisele Thompson started together for just the second time, making them the first sister duo to start for the national team since Sam and Kristie Mewis did so in July 2021. Coach Hayes also refreshed the lineup extensively, making seven changes from the previous game, with the starting players averaging just 17.9 appearances – the lowest for any lineup in 24 years.
The U.S. women’s national team is now set to play their next two matches against China, scheduled for May 31 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and June 3 in St. Louis, as they continue their active preparations for future international commitments.