On Tuesday night, the United States Women's National Team played Brazil for the second time during this international window. The Stars and Stripes won 2-0 in the first matchup and wanted a sweep over the team they beat in the Gold Medal game at the Summer Olympics.
This game was quite different though, for manager Emma Hayes opted for a less experienced Starting XI and made seven changes. The average number of caps was 17.9 and seven players had five caps or less. The most experienced was Emily Sonnett, who had 107 caps, including this fixture. And it was an extremely young starting lineup, with an average age of 22.3.
While the USWNT played well in a gritty game, a late goal from Brazil saw the visitors win 2-1, beating the US for the first time since 2014. The loss will ultimately sting, but there was plenty of good to be taken away from the match.
A fresh feel to the attack ...
As such, it is easy to think that Brazil had the edge in the match. However, the USWNT competed well. Offensively they were continuously threatening, and this was seen at the very beginning of the fixture.
In the first minute, Catarina Macario scored the opening goal. Alyssa Thompson attempted to take it herself after a superb run into the center of the box from the left side of the pitch. The winger put herself in a situation to shoot, but the Brazilian defense blocked her attempt. Nevertheless, Macario made sure to pounce on the ball when the defense did not clear the ball properly. With a few touches and ease, she put it into the back of the net.
... but disorganization in defense
Defensively, it was another story. There were moments when the backline was not on the same page and was messy. Each player, especially Sonnett, did well to clean up any errors or issues. It was not perfect though, and that is why Brazil was able to tie the match in the 24th thanks to Kerolin.
Of course, the second half saw the USWNT become older and more experienced with Hayes' substitutes. But in that context, the young players' effort was even more impressive.
The Starting XI still held their own and limited Brazil's damage. Truthfully, the opposing side's selection was arguably higher quality on Tuesday compared to the weekend's match. To see the younger players compete with players like Kerolin and Gabi Portilho highlights that there are still so many options to choose from for the Stars and Stripes.
Experienced subs can't swing the game
Also, the younger Starting XI in the first half was more threatening in the attack and had 12 of the 18 shots. The substitutes who came on did not swing the match in the USWNT's favor either.
Sadly, they could not hold on and keep Brazil level. Amanda Gutierres had space on a counterattack with nobody in front of her. A perfect pass from Luany allowed her to slot the ball into the goal and give Brazil their first win against the US in over a decade. Notably, this happened with a more experienced lineup on the pitch.
Overall, this was a promising game but not the best. But that is okay. Hayes is experimenting with the lineup and giving young players a chance to prove themselves. It is vital that she has options from every age group. More importantly, it is better for the USWNT to lose now rather than during the World Cup in 2027.