The U.S. national team scheduled a pair of matches in Brazil in preparation of a return for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
After a quick start for the Americans, the host Brazilians scored twice in three minutes for a 2-1 win at Sao Paulo on Saturday.
In her return to the team, Sophie Wilson scored in the second minute before goals by Taina Maranhao in the 11th and Bia Zaneratto in the 14th proved to be the difference
Wilson scored for the first time since 2024. She did not play for the U.S. in 2025 due to the birth of her daughter last September.
She made an immediate impact, forcing a giveaway while among three Brazilians then sliding to the box and unleashing a drive inside the far left post for the goal.
Brazil wasted no time in responding thanks to shoddy defending on a corner kick. Isabela sent the cross to the middle of the box where Maranhao had 2 yards of separation from the closest American and used the space for a powerful header to tie it.
The U.S. was disorganized again on the second goal, which started in their end, and they were unable to control the breakout. Once the ball reached the box, miscommunication between several players left Zaneratto alone in the middle for the left-footed shot.
U.S. goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn kept the deficit from getting worse with three first-half saves.
Claire Hutton almost found the equalizer near the hour mark with a straight-on shot from distance that Lele made a stabbing save with her right hand.
Lele left in the 81st minute with a leg injury. She made two saves.
The last chance for the U.S. came in the sixth-minute of second-half stoppage time off a restart when a bounding ball missed the stretched left foot of Jaedyn Shaw at the 6-yard box.
Prior to Saturday, the U.S. played their last away match at Brazil in December 2014. The teams will face off in another friendly Tuesday night at Arena Castelao in Fortaleza.
— Field Level Media
