The USWNT will play their final friendly match of this international window tonight in Fortaleza, Brazil, having already suffered a brutal comeback loss in the opening fixture.

In the first showdown in Sao Paulo on Saturday against next year’s Women’s World Cup hosts, the US started well with a remarkable finish by Sophia Wilson in only the 2nd minute of play. The team celebrated with her joyfully, as it a was Wilson’s first national team goal since her return from maternity leave. However, in the heat of Sao Paulo with Brazilian fans ready to get behind their players, the US’s out of possession structure buckled to pressure from Brazil’s dynamism and conceded two troubling goals in less than four minutes. The first concession occurred in the 11th minute when 21 year old rising star, Taina Maranhao, headed it home with no one marking her in the box. Lack of understanding in the midfield led to a counter attack that the defense flubbed miserably inside the penalty area. The ball to traveled a short distance to 32 year old veteran, Beatriz Zaneratto João, who made no mistake with a near post finish.

The rest of the game carried on without further scoring, but with plenty of incident, as tensions, conflicts, and cards emerged. Brazil reveled in the result, which the US will hope to reverse tonight at 8:30 Eastern.

US coach Emma Hayes declared that this next game would be about the US being “tougher” and credited the Brazilian players, fans, and the intimidating environment. While she can certainly throw down the gauntlet to her charges after a bad result, she will also simply have to configure a more cohesive and less error prone lineup than she fielded last match. Let’s see if the necessary adjustments can be made this evening.

How to Watch

USWNT vs. Brazil

Advertised Kick-off Time: 8:30pm Eastern, 5:30pm Pacific

Venue: Arena Castelão, Fortaleza

Available TV: TNT (English)

Available streaming: HBO Max (English), Peacock (Spanish), FuboTV (Free Trial)