The United States Women`s National Team recently played against Brazil in the second match of their series on Tuesday. This friendly game provided another opportunity for the US team to refine their strategies against a strong Brazilian team known for their technical skill and attacking style. The match took place at Pay Pal Park in San Jose, California, in front of a sold-out crowd. Brazil was aiming to recover from their 2-0 defeat to the USWNT in the previous game on Saturday.
Trinity Rodman, a forward, made a successful comeback to the national team, scoring in her first game since the 2024 Olympic final. Rodman is a key attacking player who had been dealing with a back injury.
Coach Emma Hayes is expected to continue rotating players as she prepares the team for the upcoming 2027-28 season. In the previous game, two players made their debut for the senior team: goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who achieved a clean sheet, and Avery Patterson, who played as a substitute towards the end of the game.
Match Highlights
- Location: Pay Pal Park — San Jose, CA
Previous Match Summary
First game against Brazil: Before this week`s game, the teams last played in the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal final. In their recent friendly match, Rodman scored early in the first six minutes. Despite Brazil`s initial pressure, the US team adjusted their tactics. Substitutions, including Lily Yohannes, who quickly earned a penalty, proved effective for the US. Lindsey Heaps converted the penalty, and strong goalkeeping by Tullis-Joyce, with six saves, helped maintain Brazil`s scoreless game.
Coach Hayes` Post-Match Thoughts
Coach Hayes discussed the integration of new players and the team`s need to improve their gameplay against Brazil.
`We need to improve how we maintain possession after winning the ball. It`s about transitioning to retain possession. This is a key area for us to focus on,` Hayes noted after the game.
`We`ve established a framework for the team, and now it`s about giving them opportunities to develop within it and refining the details. We improved as the game went on, but it took time, similar to the Japan game [in the SheBelieves Cup]. This area is crucial because while we`re good at pressing and challenging players, we need to be more decisive in our choices and execution.`
Hayes also commented on the team`s decision-making in attack, specifically knowing when to push forward quickly or when to recycle possession.
`I believe we created good scoring opportunities and are generating more chances overall. Our expected goals (xG) are increasing, and we`re getting into dangerous scoring areas more often compared to the Olympics. We`ve been deliberately working on this – getting players in the right positions at the right times. While I can`t comment on Brazil`s missed chances, I feel we could have scored more than two goals… which is something I couldn`t say about the Olympic final.`
In the first match, the USWNT`s expected goals (xG) were 2.72, double Brazil`s 1.41.
Predicted Lineups
With Coach Hayes evaluating players, here’s a possible lineup for the recent game:
USWNT Starting XI: Mandy McGlynn, Giselle Thompson, Emily Sams, Alana Cook, Avery Patterson; Korbin Albert, Lily Yohannes, Jaedyn Shaw; Yazmeen Ryan, Ashley Hatch, Michelle Cooper
Player Spotlight
Yazmeen Ryan (Forward): Yazmeen Ryan of the Houston Dash has quickly become a regular in the national team setup since her first call-up in October 2024. She has earned eight caps, including a substitute appearance against Brazil, and has provided two assists. Her versatility in both wide and central attacking roles and her crossing ability make her a valuable asset.
Key Storyline
Goalkeeper Situation: While Phallon Tullis-Joyce debuted in the previous game, Mandy McGlynn might have earned her third cap in the recent match. Following Alyssa Naeher’s retirement, the coaching staff is evaluating goalkeepers for the future. Jane Campbell has been prominent in camps, with 10 appearances and six clean sheets. Coach Hayes aims to narrow down the goalkeeper pool by summer to identify a primary starter.
Match Prediction
The advantage of playing a team again soon is the familiarity it brings. However, this applies to both teams. The prediction is a USWNT victory, but Brazil will score this time. Prediction: USWNT 2, Brazil 1
