The women’s Olympic gold medal rematch between the USWNT and Brazil is at Sofi Stadium in California for the international friendlies match. Coming off of their first loss under Emma Hayes, the United States are looking for a win. With the absence of two members of Triple Espresso, the gold medal winning front three of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson, the attack for the US looks a little different. Wilson is out after recently announcing her pregnancy and Swanson is out due to personal reasons, leaving Ally Sentnor and Cat Macario up front with Trinity Rodman. Rodman, who is returning to the US camp for the first time since the summer after an ongoing back issue, will be on limited minutes. There’s also a new face in goal with Phallon Tullis-Joyce getting her first cap.
Starting Off with a Bang
In the fifth minute, Trinity Rodman scores a banger for the US, her first goal since the Olympics last summer. The only member of Triple Espresso is coming in hot for her team with a sublime assist from Alyssa Thompson. The first twenty minutes were all the US with near chances from Thompson, Ally Sentnor, and Rodman again.
The scrappy intensity of the gold medal match from last summer continues with both teams going like for like with chances. Tullis-Joyce was crucial with some impressive saves against Brazil's stacked attacking force. She is definitely making a case for herself as Emma Hayes continues experimenting to find her first choice goalkeeper with Alyssa Naeher retiring in December. Emily Sonnet gets a yellow for dissent as she rightfully urges the referee to handle the game after Rodman went down following a hard foul. Dangerous tackles, tripping, shoving, this first half did not disappoint.
Brazil's Blunders
What Brazil has lacked in goals, they've made up for in yellow cards in this second half. Yellow cards were distributed to Giovana and Tarciane for risky fouls. The only big chance they've had so far is Ludmila's shot in the opening minutes of the second half. Lily Yohannes draws a penalty for the US in the 63rd minute, with captain Lindsey Heaps scoring and extending their lead 2-0. This is followed by Brazil earning more yellows. Several yellows, and what should have been a red by Antonia against Heaps for Denial of Goal Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO). There were more aggressive fouls than shots on target unfortunately. Brazil was no match for Hayes' USWNT team, who get their 16th win under the former Chelsea coach.