Trinity Rodman and captain Lindsey Heaps scored high quality objectives and the U.S. girls’s nationwide workforce beat Brazil 2-0 within the first of a pair of friendlies on Saturday afternoon at SoFi Stadium.
The USWNT began sturdy, with Rodman’s purpose coming 5 minutes into the match; Heaps prolonged the lead when she transformed from the spot within the 66th minute. The Individuals matched the physicality of Brazil, who hoped to avenge their loss the final time these sides met within the Paris Olympics gold medal match. The U.S. gained that closing, 1-0.
U.S. coach Emma Hayes mentioned forward of this recreation that the April window would characteristic plenty of experimentation with lineups and participant mixtures as she works to offer youthful gamers extra exposures. The beginning lineup included a mixture of younger and veteran gamers, with Ally Sentnor and Tara McKeown every getting their respective third begins.
There have been two debuts, with Hayes beginning Phallon Tullis-Joyce in purpose and subbing defender Avery Patterson on late. That brings the quantity to 17 gamers who’ve earned their first caps below Hayes.
Listed below are the takeaways from the match.
Play of the sport
It took all of 5 minutes for Rodman to attain in her first recreation again for the USWNT since final summer time’s Olympics.
Alyssa Thompson collected the ball simply previous midfield and seemed like she was going to feed Heaps on the left wing. As a substitute, the 20-year-old minimize inside, beat her man one-on-one, and slipped a superbly weighted ball into the field for Rodman, who scored with the surface of her proper foot.
The final purpose Rodman scored for the U.S. was the successful one in a dramatic Olympic quarterfinal match in opposition to Japan. After taking a number of months off from worldwide responsibility — principally to get some relaxation following a busy 2023-24 and get well from a again damage — Rodman is again like she by no means left.
Thompson’s help was an instance of what Hayes mentioned Friday whereas discussing the Angel Metropolis ahead’s growth and the way far she’s come previously six months. Hayes described her as a one-on-one specialist, and that the workers have been working together with her on honing these abilities and moving into the most effective positions to win battles. The laborious work was clear early and infrequently in opposition to Brazil as she continued to search out the ball in area and create alternatives. She practically had a purpose of her personal late within the second half, however was pulled down by a defender, forcing her volley to fly over the crossbar.
Turning level
Solely moments after being substituted into the sport within the second half, 17-year-old Lily Yohannes was fouled within the field by Ludmila, drawing a penalty.
Heaps took the PK, powering her shot previous Lorena to double the USWNT’s lead.
After Heaps transformed from the spot, the printed famous that the U.S. captain frolicked after Friday’s coaching session working particularly on her PKs, with most going into that left nook.
Key stat
Tullis-Joyce had a clear sheet in her first cap because the USWNT’s beginning goalkeeper.
The 28-year-old was invited into her first nationwide workforce camp on the finish of 2024 forward of matches in opposition to England and the Netherlands, and was referred to as up as a coaching participant throughout February’s SheBelieves Cup. Hayes has been complimentary of the goalkeeper, whereas including she nonetheless must work on her toes and be extra vocal throughout the group.
Tullis-Joyce has began each match for Manchester United this season and has posted 12 clear sheets. Oftentimes in USWNT friendlies, goalkeepers do not get an excessive amount of motion. However Tullis-Joyce had a possibility to point out what she may do in a fast-paced and aggressive match. Brazil was harmful on a number of events, forcing Tullis-Joyce to be commanding within the field and make some huge saves. Considered one of her finest got here within the 52nd minute when Brazil’s Gio received in behind and received a shot off, solely to be saved by Tullis-Joyce.
With the USWNT’s goalkeeper competitors nonetheless very a lot vast open, this was an vital efficiency for an inexperienced Tullis-Joyce.
What’s subsequent for the USWNT?
The U.S. and Brazil will play the second match of this doubleheader on Tuesday at PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.
Laken Litman covers faculty soccer, faculty basketball and soccer for FOX Sports activities. She beforehand wrote for Sports activities Illustrated, USA At this time and The Indianapolis Star. She is the creator of “Sturdy Like a Lady,” printed in spring 2022 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Title IX. Comply with her at @LakenLitman.
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