Dear Reader,
Enjoy this free read of USWNT-related content.
For less than 20¢ a day you’ll receive full access to Soccer America’s daily newsletters, with analysis and insights keeping you informed about American soccer. You’ll also support our award-winning staff and continue our publication’s 55-year legacy.
Become a Soccer America Pro member today for more USWNT content and wide variety of more US Soccer News.
Warmly,
Soccer America
WANT TO SHARE THIS ARTICLE?
Brazil celebrated its first victory over the USA in more than a decade — and just fourth victory in 43 meetings — with a 2-1 win before a sell-out crowd of 18,000 fans at San Jose’s PayPal Park.
The USWNT might regret how the match turned out — from a perfect start with Catarina Macario‘s goal after just 34 seconds to the nightmare ending with Amanda Gutierres‘ winner five minutes into stoppage time — but Coach Emma Hayes was thankful for the experience.
“I wanted to put players in the frying pan and let them feel the heat,” she said. “That was the youngest capped U.S. women’s national team in 24 years. So what a great experience for them to feel the pressure of playing a really, really difficult opponent.”
Enjoying Soccer America?
Become a Soccer America Pro member for as low as $5.95/mo to get access to:
- Extensive TV and streaming listings for all soccer games.
- In-depth coverage of the USA’s 2026 World Cup preparations.
- Interviews with top players, coaches and newsmakers.
Hayes started seven players 22 years old or younger and a midfield with players aged 21, 19 and 17.
“I’m playing the long game,” she added. “I’m not making decisions for the short term. I’m prioritizing the progress of expanding the player pool. And what a game Claire Hutton and Avery Patterson … superb. I thought Gisele Thompson battled. I thought Michelle Cooper showed glimpses. I thought Alyssa Thompson, for sure, has taken another step.”
Hayes, for one, was pleased.
“I learned what I didn’t know,” she added, “and I was really happy with it.”
WANT TO SHARE THIS ARTICLE?
We hope you’ve enjoyed your exclusive free read of USWNT content.
To continue receiving more USWNT news and a wide variety of more US Soccer News, become a Soccer America Pro member member today for full access to all of Soccer America’s news, analysis and insights.
For less than 20¢ a day you’ll receive full access to Soccer America’s daily newsletters and support our award-winning staff to continue our publication’s 55-year legacy.
CHECK OUT MORE STORIES
- Tartan Army takes over Boston as Scotland fans relish World Cup return
From drinking the bars dry to lustily serenading an iconic baseball stadium with a rendition of “Flower of Scotland”, the bagpipe-playing, kilt-wearing hordes of the Tartan Army have captivated Boston since arriving at the World Cup. Scotland’s famously good-natured travelling supporters had waited nearly 30 years for the chance to… Read more: Tartan Army takes over Boston as Scotland fans relish World Cup return - What we learned after the first round of World Cup games
From Lionel Messi rolling back the years to full stadiums and a Cape Verde team that shocked Spain, here is what we learned after the first round of games at the World Cup: Messi’s still got it – Lionel Messi’s World Cup odyssey appeared to reach its perfect climax in… Read more: What we learned after the first round of World Cup games - USMNT’s encouraging depth: Reyna, Weah, Aaronson and Zendejas provide intriguing options against Australia
The USA’s depth could be tested earlier than expected at the World Cup. The injury to Christian Pulisic appears to be more of a concern than initially expected, with the star winger spending the first three days of the week training on his own after coming off at halftime in… Read more: USMNT’s encouraging depth: Reyna, Weah, Aaronson and Zendejas provide intriguing options against Australia
