The United States women’s national team earned a 4-1 victory over Brazil on Thursday night to win the 2018 Tournament of Nations.
Rose Lavelle, Julie Ertz, Tobin Heath and Alex Morgan all scored for the U.S., which pulled away in the second half.
Following Australia’s 2-0 win over Japan earlier in the evening, the United States needed to beat Brazil by at least two goals in order to clinch the tournament title.
What was already a one-sided score could’ve been far worse for Brazil. The two teams were tied after a first half in which the United States was in full control and could’ve had two or three goals.
Ertz’s goal was a perfect example of how the USWNT put Brazil to the sword in the second half. Heath didn’t rush her cross, and Ertz flew in at the back post for the easy finish.
Brazil looked dangerous on the counterattack and exposed the U.S. defense at times, but the United States was in control for much of the match.
The USWNT has gotten strong results throughout 2018 without overwhelming dominant performances. It won the SheBelieves Cup in March despite scoring just three goals, and decisive friendly wins over China didn’t prove much.
The United States put it all together at the Tournament of Nations, which is well-timed with the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s Championship kicking off in October.
Rose Lavelle Capitalizes on Starting Opportunity
No USWNT player gained more from Thursday’s match than Lavelle. This was her first start since Sept. 19, 2017, and she made a strong argument for remaining in the starting XI going forward.
Lavelle struck Lindsey Horan’s cross perfectly to tie the match in the 33rd minute.
The front three for the USWNT is basically set. Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan are among the first names on the team sheet, and Tobin Heath has 136 caps to her name.
The United States has struggled somewhat, though, to find a player who can act as that connection to the final third through the center of midfield. The USWNT has had to move the ball out wide in order to break down opponents.
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