The U.S. women`s national team is set to conclude their two-game series against Brazil this Tuesday. This friendly match offers another opportunity for the team to refine their tactics against a skilled Brazil team known for their technical ability and attacking prowess. Manager Emma Hayes will lead the squad as they host Brazil at a sold-out Pay Pal Park in San Jose, California. Brazil will be aiming to recover from their 2-0 defeat to the USWNT last Saturday.
Trinity Rodman, a forward, made a successful comeback to the senior team, scoring in her first game since the 2024 Olympic final. She was a key part of the attacking `triple espresso` during the Olympics and had been managing a back injury prior to her return.
Hayes is expected to continue rotating players as the team progresses towards the 2027-28 cycle, with potential changes anticipated for the second match. The head coach has been actively evaluating players, and two players, goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Avery Patterson, earned their first senior caps on Saturday. Tullis-Joyce secured a clean sheet, and Patterson contributed as a late substitute to help close out the game.
How to watch USWNT
- Date: Tues. April, 8
- Location: Pay Pal Park — San Jose, Ca.
- TV: TNT
- Live stream: Max
Last meeting
Match one against Brazil: The previous encounter between these teams was during the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal final. In their recent friendly rematch, Rodman scored in the first six minutes, despite Brazil`s initial tempo. A tactical adjustment by Brazil kept the game close until halftime. Hayes` substitutions proved effective, with Lily Yohannes entering the match and immediately drawing a penalty. Team captain Lindsey Heaps converted the penalty, and Tullis-Joyce`s impressive six saves ensured the USWNT maintained Brazil`s attack at bay.
What the USWNT are saying
Amidst discussions about the expanded player pool, there`s also the challenge of game planning and preparation for numerous new players. Hayes is already focused on improvements for the second game against Brazil.
`I feel we do all the hard work, we get the ball and we turn it back over again. We call it transition to retain. This is an area of our game we have to get better with,` Hayes stated post-match.
`We`ve certainly given the team the framework. Then you have to give the team the opportunity to develop it, and then you coach all the minute details that go with that. And I think by the end, we`d got a better handle on that, but it took us quite a while to get there today, as it did against Japan [in SheBelieves Cup]. So I think this is a big area for us, because we`re not afraid to back press, and we`re not afraid to go player for player in situations, but we need to be a little more decisive in the decision-making and execution of things.`
Hayes elaborated on the team`s decision-making in attacking transitions, and knowing when to attack quickly versus when to recycle possession.
`I don`t know the xG of the game, but I felt we created good chances, and I think we`re getting more. I know this for a fact, that our xG in general is increasing, and our — as I call them, the golden the gold zones — chances are definitely significantly higher than they were at the Olympics. That`s something we really have been conscious to work on, whether that`s getting the right numbers into the right area, hitting the right areas, Getting the timings right. I can`t talk for the goals Brazil could and should have scored. I can only talk for us, but I think we could have scored more than two goals … and I certainly couldn`t have said that in the Olympic gold medal final.`
The USWNT concluded the first match with an xG of 2.72, doubling Brazil`s 1.41.
Predicted lineups
With Hayes evaluating players, the starting lineup is uncertain, but here’s a possible lineup for Sunday.
USWNT Starting XI: Mandy McGlynn, Giselle Thompson, Emily Sams, Alana Cook, Avery Patterson; Korbin Albert, Lily Yohannes, Jaedyn Shaw; Yazmeen Ryan, Ashley Hatch, Michelle Cooper
Player to watch
Yazmeen Ryan (forward): Since her first senior call-up in October 2024, the Houston Dash attacker has become a team camp regular. She has earned eight caps, including a substitute appearance against Brazil, and has provided two assists. Her versatility in wide and central roles and her sharp crossing ability make her a valuable asset on Tuesday.
Storyline to watch
Goalkeeper trends: While Tullis-Joyce debuted on Saturday, McGlynn could earn her third cap. McGlynn was among the players called up post-2024 Olympics as Hayes started planning for the next cycle. The coaching staff is evaluating the goalkeeper position after Alyssa Naeher`s retirement. Jane Campbell has been the most capped keeper in camps with 10 appearances and six clean sheets. Hayes aims to narrow down the keeper pool by summer to focus on a starter.
Prediction
The advantage of a second match against the same opponent is the built-in familiarity. However, this applies to both teams. The USWNT is predicted to win, but Brazil is expected to score. Pick: USWNT 2, Brazil 1
Dominic Ashworth