SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) – Bea Zanerat scored the first goal in the 14th minute and Brazil beat the United States 2-1 on Saturday, buoyed by a raucous home crowd.
Sophia Wilson scored for the U.S. women’s national team, which has lost just two of its nine games so far this year.
Wilson’s goal came less than two minutes into the game, with a left-footed shot from above the box. This was her first goal in the United States since returning from maternity leave in April. Wilson has scored 25 goals for his country.
Brazil tied the game in the 11th minute when Taina Maranhão’s header hit the opposite post. Moments later, Zanerat received a pass from Dudinha and sent it over the outstretched leg of American goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn, giving the Brazilians a 2-1 lead.
This was the first of two friendly matches between the two teams. They are scheduled to meet again in Fortaleza on Tuesday.
Mallory Swanson has joined coach Emma Hayes’ U.S. national team for the first time in 18 months after taking maternity leave.
Swanson’s participation reunites Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith, who have not played together since the 2024 Olympics. Swanson scored against Brazil in Paris, winning the gold medal 1-0.
Rodman and Smith started the game, Swanson was off the bench but did not play.
Rodman was substituted and left the game just before the end of regulation after collapsing and being treated by trainers on the field. The condition of her injury was not clear, but she walked to the sideline on her own.
The game will be played away from American soil for the first time since November 2024 for the United States.
Marta was on the bench for the Brazil national team, which has won five of seven games this year, but did not play.
Next summer, stadiums in Sao Paulo and Fortaleza will host Women’s World Cup matches. The United States will aim to qualify for the tournament at the CONCACAF W Championship in late November.
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
