After going down early in the first half due to an own goal, the U.S. Women’s National Team roared back with three goals in the second half to earn a 4-1 win against Brazil and take home its first Tournament of Nations title in front of a spectacular crowd of 18,309 at Toyota Park.
After Australia beat Japan, 2-0, in the day’s early game, the U.S. knew it also needed to win by a two-goal margin in order to maintain its lead via tie-breakers over the Matildas in the tournament standings, and set about trying to accomplish just that from the outset.
The USA had control of the match from the get-go and produced several chances that could have opened the scoring in its favor. But, against the run of play, it was Brazil that struck first via a counterattack from Debinha. U.S. defender Tierna Davidson attempted to clear a cross that instead deflected into the back of her own net in the 16th minute.
Unfazed by the surprising deficit, the U.S. continued to push forward on offense and found the equalizer via some terrific play and a top-class finish from Rose Lavelle in the 33rd minute, sending the teams into the locker room tied at the half.
In the second half, the U.S. came out blazing and took the lead after only eight minutes through a sliding Julie Ertz volley that capped off another impressive offensive flourish from the U.S. An invigorated defense kept Brazil at bay and provided a strong foundation for the USA to launch more attacks throughout the half.
After assisting on Ertz’s goal, Tobin Heath grabbed one of her own with a terrific low drive that snaked through some traffic on its way into the goal in the 61st minute, giving the U.S. a comfortable 3-1 lead.
Alex Morgan then put the USA out of sight in the 77th minute, converting a well-drawn up set piece to solidify the team’s 4-1 win and the 2018 Tournament of Nations trophy.
The Final Standings
<strong>Team</strong> |
<strong>GP</strong> |
<strong>W</strong> |
<strong>L </strong> |
<strong>T</strong> |
<strong>GF</strong> |
<strong>GA</strong> |
<strong>GD</strong> |
<strong>Pts.</strong> |
<strong>USA</strong> |
<strong>3</strong> |
<strong>2</strong> |
<strong>0</strong> |
<strong>1</strong> |
<strong>9</strong> |
<strong>4</strong> |
<strong>5</strong> |
<strong>7</strong> |
<p>Australia</p> |
<p>3</p> |
<p>2</p> |
<p>0</p> |
<p>1</p> |
<p>6</p> |
<p>2</p> |
<p>4</p> |
<p>7</p> |
<p>Brazil</p> |
<p>3</p> |
<p>1</p> |
<p>2</p> |
<p>0</p> |
<p>4</p> |
<p>8</p> |
<p>-4</p> |
<p>3</p> |
<p>Japan</p> |
<p>3</p> |
<p>0</p> |
<p>3</p> |
<p>0</p> |
<p>3</p> |
<p>8</p> |
<p>-5</p> |
<p>0</p> |
