The U.S. Women's National Team faced Brazil in an international friendly on April 8, 2025, at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, in a match that showcased a youthful squad against a formidable opponent. The game, which kicked off at 10:30 PM ET, was broadcast on TBS, truTV, and Universo, and streamed on Max and Peacock.
The match began dramatically as Catarina Macario scored just 34 seconds in, giving the USWNT an early lead. Following a quick turnover, Alyssa Thompson played a one-two with Macario, who capitalized on a defensive mishap by Brazil’s goalkeeper Natascha, steering the ball home after a scramble in front of the net. This goal marked the seventh fastest in USWNT history.
However, Brazil responded effectively, equalizing in the 24th minute through Kerolin, who took advantage of defensive lapses from the U.S. The play began with a miscommunication between Tara McKeown and Claire Hutton, allowing Gio Queiroz to set up Kerolin for a well-placed shot into the far corner.
As the match progressed, both teams exchanged opportunities, with Brazil adopting an aggressive high-pressing strategy that put pressure on the U.S. defense. Mandy McGlynn, the U.S. goalkeeper, made crucial saves to keep the score level, showcasing her abilities with two standout stops in the final ten minutes of the match.
Despite the U.S. having a youthful lineup, with an average cap total of under 18, they showed resilience but were ultimately caught out in stoppage time. Amanda Gutierres, who had just come off the bench, scored the game-winner for Brazil in the 95th minute. The goal came from a swift counter-attack, where a clearance from the U.S. defense turned into a three-on-two situation, allowing Gutierres to tap in from close range.
This defeat marked a historic moment for Brazil, as it was the first time the U.S. had lost to a CONMEBOL side on home soil in 45 all-time meetings. The U.S. had previously emerged victorious in their first encounter with Brazil just days earlier, winning 2-0 at SoFi Stadium, thanks to goals from Trinity Rodman and Lindsey Heaps.
Head coach Emma Hayes made several changes to the lineup for this match, opting for a younger squad that included three teenagers and six players aged 22 or younger. Notable players like Trinity Rodman were absent from the matchday squad, as Hayes chose to manage her return from injury cautiously.
The starting XI for the U.S. included Mandy McGlynn in goal, with a backline of Korbin Albert, Tara McKeown, Emily Sonnett, and Gisele Thompson. Midfielders included Claire Hutton, Michelle Cooper, and Avery Patterson, while the attacking trio featured Catarina Macario, Lily Yohannes, and Alyssa Thompson. This lineup was a stark contrast to the more experienced group that played in the earlier match, reflecting Hayes' strategy to assess new talent.
Throughout the game, the U.S. struggled with their passing in the defensive third, leading to several turnovers that Brazil capitalized on. Despite a few promising attacks, including a blocked shot from Alyssa Thompson and a near miss from Michelle Cooper, the U.S. could not regain the lead after Macario's early goal.
As the match wound down, the U.S. made several substitutions to inject fresh energy into the team. In the 58th minute, Lindsey Heaps, Yazmeen Ryan, and Sam Coffey entered the game, replacing Macario, Cooper, and Korbin Albert. Later, Crystal Dunn came on for Patterson after the latter suffered an injury, highlighting the challenges faced by the U.S. as they navigated through the match.
With the final whistle, the U.S. team faced disappointment, but the match served as an important learning experience for the younger players. The performance highlighted areas for improvement as the team builds towards future competitions, including World Cup qualification.
In the aftermath, Hayes expressed the need for her squad to learn from their mistakes, emphasizing the importance of composure under pressure and the need to capitalize on early leads. The USWNT will look to regroup and refine their performance as they prepare for upcoming matches, aiming to build on their earlier success against Brazil.
As the dust settles from this thrilling encounter, fans will be eager to see how the USWNT adapts and grows from this experience, with the promise of exciting talent on the horizon.
