World-class performances from Rodman and Thompson, goalkeeping debut by Tullis-Joyce highlight USWNT victory
LOS ANGELES – Before the second largest-crowd in the L.A. area ever to watch a U.S. women’s national team game – 32,303 turned out for the first women's sporting event at SoFi Stadium – Emma Hayes' squad defeated Brazil 2-0 Saturday night in a rematch of the 2024 Olympics final.
The USWNT didn't waste much time, with Trinity Rodman reminding everyone how much she was missed – not to mention her ability to score. Just five minutes into the first half, two USWNT hometown heroes showed out, with Alyssa Thompson dribbling centrally, drawing in Brazil's backline and allowing Rodman to subtly sneak in behind to receive a perfectly paced slip ball.
While Thompson and Rodman were obvious standouts, so too was Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who made her first international start in goal for the United States. She was confident, poised and made crucial saves to earn the shutout.
Since the 2024 Olympics, the USWNT have experienced many changes. From the retirement of Alyssa Naeher to Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson not being in uniform since Paris, coach Emma Hayes has been tasked with fielding a different squad.
When the USWNT played in the SheBelieves Cup in February, there were new faces on the pitch – and it was a story of younger talent getting minutes. Saturday's match against Brazil was a balanced roster of older and newer, with players such as Rodman back in the mix, and the midfield held down by captain Lindsey Heaps next to reigning U.S. Young Female Player of the Year Ally Sentnor.
And in the process, Hayes earned her 16th win as USWNT coach, with just one loss in 19 games.
GOAL takes a look at the winners and losers from the USWNT's 2-0 victory over Brazil.
Getty ImagesWINNER: Alyssa Thompson
Alyssa Thompson played like she was right at home, which – as a Los Angeles native – she was. Thompson showed no fear in any of one vs one opportuniies. In the first five minutes, Thompson received the ball on the left wing, dribbled centrally, leaving Brazil on their heels, she saw Trinity Rodman slip through and played a cheeky driven ball into Rodman's stride.
And just like that, the USWNT were on the board, with much thanks to Thompson's driving ability and vision to find the small gaps in Brazil's backline.
"I mean, I love playing in LA," Thompson said after the game. "Being here is amazing for club, and I've never played here [SoFi] or played in LA with the national team. So being able to just feel that comfort from my city and my family and friends, like I just felt like I could be more like me a- nd like I knew what I could do."
While that assist was a highlight, Thompson continued to impress throughout the game, tracking back defensively, taking players on down the wing, and driving centrally when it made sense, which confused the Brazil defenders.
In the 16th minute, Thompson had another highlight-worthy moment when she dribbled centrally and got her foot on the ball for a clean strike far post. Brazil goalkeeper Lorena bobbled it, displaying just how much pace Thompson was able to rocket her shot.
AdvertisementImagnLOSER: Lorena
Lorena is rarely a loser and not even on this night, but the fact that the USWNT got two goals past such an elite goalkeeper puts her in this spot. She made some incredible saves against Thompson, and handled some dynamic runs and dangerous balls in the box.
However, the first goal Brazil gave up was a tough one for Lorena, who almost never gets beat off a simple touch central from a forward. Lorena has been a standout for Kansas City Current this season, and has been the secret to Brazil's defensive prowess since she was named to the senior national team in 2021.
Getty ImagesWINNER: Trinity Rodman
Trinity Rodman made her return to the USWNT in absolute style, rocking the pink braids and notching a goal. Her presence has been clearly missed by the USWNT since the Olympics, and Hayes talked about her being back: "Just her whole aura, her whole being… just having her presence and just having Trin back just feels so good for the group."
Her goal was clinical; from the sneaky run that split past the Brazil center-backs to her touch inside to get Lorena to commit – and then use of her outside foot to tap the ball in. After she scored, Rodman continued to put in work, playing one twos on the right side and serving in some dangerous balls into the box.
"I think my main focus for this game, and even in the first five minutes, it was just kind of the timing of my run," she said. "And even a couple times I was offside, I was starting my run a little bit too early, so on that goal, I was waiting for the perfect moment to kind of make that run."
Rodman said she has been looking to get the ball more centrally, something she's also been focused on with the Washington Spirit in the NWSL.
Getty ImagesLOSER: Brazil's backline
Brazil had a tough start, especially letting Thompson break through and Rodman sneak in behind. While they held the USWNT strong on many chances, they were sloppy in key moments.
They struggled most defending one vs one, and couldn't seem to quite knock the U.S. off the ball. While their tracking was sound – and positioning as well – their individual battles fell short.
For the next game against the USWNT on Tuesday in San Jose, Brazil will likely look to fine tune some of the defensive tactics to stay closer.
