USA Women win SheBelieves Cup for 4th consecutive time

The USA Women defeated Brazil Wednesday night 2-1 to win the 2023 SheBelieves Cup. Only needing a draw to win the cup, the Americans collected the victory to post a perfect record in the tournament. It was their fourth consecutive title and sixth overall in the competition.

Morgan scores from long range just before halftime

Alex Morgan put the USWNT on the board just moments from halftime. The striker pounced on a loose ball and curled a perfectly placed shot into the bottom corner of the net. Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena made a diving effort for the attempted save, but the shot coming from outside of the box was just out of reach.

Morgan’s goal was her 121st with the USWNT and her 14th as a mother. She has now leapfrogged Joy Fawcett for most goals for the team as a mom. The star has also recorded either a goal or assist in all four matches in 2023 so far.

USA Women SheBelieves Cup: Swanson continues scoring streak

Mallory Swanson doubled the host’s advantage with a goal in the 63rd minute of the match. The Americans picked up possession thanks to pressing from Lynn Williams and Rose Lavelle. Lavelle then found Swanson at the edge of the Brazilian penalty box. Swanson dribbled into the area and finished neatly at the near post. The striker finished the tournament as the top scorer.

Swanson’s goal meant that she now has the most goals in SheBelieves Cup history with eight. She also extended her scoring streak to six total games and has the record for most goals at a single SheBelieves Cup with four.

Brazil would get a goal back late in the match. Bruninha sent in a deep cross near the far post of the goal, aiming for Ludmila. The striker was able to get between two American defenders and head the ball into the back of the net. Nevertheless, the strike in the 90th minute would only be a consolation goal.

The USWNT will now get some time off before playing two friendlies in April. They next play Ireland in back-to-back matches on April 8th and the 11th. Both fixtures are set to be played in the U.S and will be their final tuneup ahead of the Women’s World Cup this summer.

Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire