United States WNT 1
Brazil WNT 1
October 21, 2015
Century Link Field – Seattle, WA
In 1999 when the USA won the World Cup the players embarked on a “victory tour” that was an indoor soccer series with matches against an international all-star team.
Shannon Boxx was captain for her final appearance. Other than Boxx, the starting XI looked like a potential starting XI for CONCACAF qualifying in February with Rapinoe, Lloyd, Morgan, et al in customary positions. Crystal Dunn got a start and was dangerous throughout the match down the right flank, getting around the Brazil outside right back to send in service on a number of occasions. The vulnerability of the outside right of Brazil’s defense came back to bite the Brazilians late.
The match had a festive air at kickoff, with the crowd loudly cheering both line ups. However, Brazil scored in the third minute, the intensity ramped up, and a proper football match emerged. Brazil has a team also prepping for the Olympics, with players like Marta looking like the home tourney may be their last real chance at a major trophy.
Boxx came off in the 40th in an emotional moment, with hugs from teammates a rousing send off from the Seattle crowd. Boxx takes three Olympic golds and a World Cup winners medal, along with her veteran presence and 195 caps with her. Much like USA legend Mia Hamm, who wore Garciapara in her final appearance, Boxx sported a jersey with her married name of Spearman in this match.
The USA kept with the bulk of its starters for 90 minutes in what became a pretty intense friendly. Meghan Klingenberg did a lot of work to get around the Brazil defense and send across to a lunging Lloyd, who got enough of the cross to put it in off the inside of the crossbar. USA coach Jill Ellis did work Jaelene Hinkle and Samantha Mewis in to the match around the 70th minute, giving USA fans a look at some of the NWSL generation that will be fighting for roster spots in the wake of upcoming retirements.
After a period of injury Alex Morgan appeared fit and healthy and was dangerous on the receiving end of a number of services, just missing out on a few good chances. Megan Rapinoe nearly tied the game late on a shot the Brazil keeper could not handle and merely box away.
The crowd of 23,603 was loud throughout and was pushing hard for their world cup heroes to come through. The late equalizer did mean a 1-1 draw, but under the circumstances had the crowd buzzing at the end.
The USA has four matches remaining on their Victory Tour; giving retiring veterans like Lauren Holiday and Laurie Chalupny a send off; and several incoming players a look prior to the 2016 Olympic qualifiers in February.
