On Wednesday, the US Women’s national soccer team claimed their fourth consecutive SheBelieves Cup title with a 2-1 victory against Brazil.
Alex Morgan and Mallory Swanson were the scorers for the US, with Morgan’s curling goal proving too much for Brazilian keeper Lorena.
This was Morgan’s fifth SheBelieves Cup goal and her 14th since the birth of her daughter in 2020, making her the record scorer for the US Women’s national team as a mother.
Swanson, formerly known as Mallory Pugh, scored in the 63rd minute, her fourth goal of the tournament and seventh of the year, matching her total from last year’s. She recently married Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson in December.
Japan, who defeated Canada 3-0 earlier in the day, finished as runners-up in the four-team, round-robin tournament. All four teams will participate in the Women’s World Cup this summer in Australia and New Zealand.
Ludmila scored for Brazil in stoppage time, avoiding the shutout and marking the first goal allowed by the US this year. The US remains undefeated in five matches. Brazil coach Pia Sundhage noted that the team still has a long way to go, highlighting the need for emotional and tactical unity.
Rose Lavelle started for the US after missing the first two matches of the tournament due to a minor injury. Japan ended a four-game losing streak with their win over Canada, ending their four-match scoreless drought with Kiko Seike’s 26th-minute goal.
The Canadian players, currently engaged in a labour dispute with their federation, wore purple “Enough is Enough” T-shirts for the anthems and wristbands during the match. The US players also wore purple wristbands in solidarity.
The SheBelieves Cup, which started in 2016, has been won by the US six times out of eight tournaments. US coach Vlatko Andonovski stated that the focus would be on the play and details rather than the title, using the tournament as preparation for the World Cup.
The SheBelieves Cup has become one of the most prestigious women’s soccer tournaments, and the victory for the US women’s team is a testament to their dominance in the sport.
With the World Cup just around the corner, the US team will be looking to carry the momentum from their SheBelieves Cup win into the year’s biggest tournament.
The World Cup is set to be held in Australia and New Zealand, providing a unique challenge for the teams as they adapt to the different conditions and styles of play.
However, with the US women’s team being one of the favourites to win the tournament, they will be looking to use their experience and skill to overcome any obstacles that come their way.
The World Cup is a major event in soccer and is expected to be watched by millions worldwide.
With the US women’s team being one of the strongest contenders, fans can look forward to exciting, high-quality matches as the team strives for glory.
The US women’s team’s victory in the SheBelieves Cup is significant and sets the stage for an exciting World Cup this summer.
With talented players, a strong coach, and a winning mentality, the US women’s team is well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament and bring home the trophy.
