Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The U.S. women’s national team fell 2-1 Saturday to Brazil in a physical match in São Paulo, with an early goal from Sophia Wilson unable to make up for defensive mishaps.
Going into the matchup against the 2027 Women’s World Cup hosts, the USWNT rode the waves of anticipation of Triple Espresso returning to the roster, with Mallory Swanson receiving her first call-up since going on maternity leave.
While Swanson didn’t make an appearance on the pitch Saturday, Double Espresso made an immediate impact. Less than two minutes in, Wilson scored from outside the box off an assist from Trinity Rodman from the midfield. It was Wilson’s first international goal since 2024, having just returned to the USWNT from maternity leave in April.
The elation didn’t last long. Unmarked by defenders, Brazil’s Taina Maranhao secured the equalizer with a header to the opposite post off a throw-in at the 11th minute.
Three minutes later, mishaps in the USWNT midfield allowed Bia Zaneratto to take the lead for Brazil off an assist from San Diego Wave’s Dudinha, getting the better of starting goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn.
Despite improved movement and momentum after halftime, the USWNT couldn’t manage to claw their way back from the behind. The team got a few close looks, including a shot from Claire Hutton that went over the bar.
The match’s physicality came to a head in the final minutes of regulation, when Rodman was subbed out after going down, though she walked off the pitch unaided. Her departure followed shortly after she had aimed a throw-in at Giovana Queiroz, earning yellow cards for both players.
The visitors got their final look with less than two minutes remaining in stoppage time. A set piece from Rose Lavelle set piece deflected to Jaedyn Shaw. But Shaw’s shot was just too high, leaving the hosts victorious.
The USWNT gets shot at redemption when the teams face each other Tuesday, wrapping up the U.S.’s first visit to Brazil since 2014.
