In Frisco, Texas, Mallory Swanson and Alex Morgan each scored a goal to help the Americans defeat Brazil and win the SheBelieves Cup for the fourth time in a row.
At Toyota Stadium on Wednesday, Morgan scored in the final seconds of the first half to secure a 2-1 victory. In the 63rd minute, Mallory Swanson, a fellow forward, scored again. Ludmila, a Brazilian attacker, reduced the gap in the final minute, but Brazil was unable to complete the comeback.
When asked about Swanson by TNT, Morgan responded, “Mal’s just insane now. “She is doing wonderfully. It was crucial for the momentum that the goal was scored before halftime. This was the most effective approach to be ready for the World Cup.”The Americans have now won six of the eight editions of the SheBelieves Cup, which started in 2016. France won in 2017 and England won in 2020.
In the fourth minute, left defender Crystal Dunn came close to scoring, but her attempt was deflected wide. Midway through the first half, Morgan saw another attempt miss. Five minutes later, midfielder Kerolin gave Brazil its first opportunity with a shot that went just wide of the left post.
Before Morgan broke the tie in the third minute of stoppage time, Brazil and the US ladies traded several more threats.
The initial shot by Swanson was blocked beyond the penalty area. Morgan found the dropped ball. She moved the ball left before launching a shot high into the left corner of the goal, outdueling Lorena of Brazil.Brazilian left wing Adriana hit the post in the 49th minute. Several other Brazil attempts that minute also were denied by the American defense.
Swanson then scored her fourth goal of the tournament in the 63rd minute. Midfielder Rose Lavelle stole the ball near midfield and dribbled toward the box to spark that breakaway. She then slipped a pass into the box. Swanson tapped the ball to her right and finished the play with a strike into a narrow angle, past Lorena’s left hit and inside the right post.
U.S. goalie Alyssa Naeher denied another Brazilian attempt in the 82nd minute. Brazil then cut the deficit in half about eight minutes later.
