SANTA MONICA – After winning the World Cup in 2015, the USWNT has has subpar performances in the Olympics, the SheBelieves tournament and in their first match of the Tournament of Nations. Despite being ranked the number one team in the world, this somewhat disappointing play continued up until the 79th minute of their second match in the Tournament of Nations. However, the USWNT came back and showed just how great they are. They scored three goals in the last 10 minutes of the match and defeated Brazil, 4-3, on Sunday.
Brazil started the game off strong, scoring in just the second minute of play. That is where the USWNT uphill battle started. In the 18th minute, however, Megan Rapinoe passed the ball off to Samantha Mewis who managed equalize the game, 1-1.
The first half ended in a tie, but Brazil came back after the half to score 2 more goals. The first came from Bruna Benites, who redirected the ball into the goal on a corner kick in minute 63. Then, in minute 78, Brazil added to their lead when Andressinha scored on a free kick, putting the score at 3-1.
However, after that goal, in the 78th minute of the match, something switched and the USWNT miraculously recovered. Christen Press started off the amazing comeback in minute 80, maneuvering around Brazil’s defense, and shooting the ball just over the goalkeeper’s hands. Then, just 5 minutes later it was Megan Rapinoes turn. She received a long pass and quickly shot the ball, which deflected down off the goalkeepers hands and into the back of the net. The USWNT had just tied the game up, 3-3, in only 5 minutes, however, they were not done yet. Just four minutes later, Julie Ertz got the ball and slammed it in for the USWNT, completing the comeback and giving them a 4-3 lead and an amazing win.
Next, the USWNT will play Japan on August 3rd at 7pm. The game will air on ESPN 2.
The USWNT celebrating their remarkable recovery, and 4-3 defeat over Brazil.
Photo by: Brad Smith
Photos by ISI.
