U.S. women win SheBelieves Cup with 2-1 win over Brazil

Associated Press
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023 9:47 p.m. | Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023 9:47 p.m.

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United States forward Alex Morgan (13) celebrates her goal with teammates Mallory Swanson (9) and Crystal Dunn during the first half of a SheBelieves Cup soccer match against Brazil in Frisco, Texas.

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United States forward Alex Morgan (13) reacts to scoring a goal during the first half of a SheBelieves Cup soccer match against Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, in Frisco, Texas.

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United States forward Alex Morgan (13) controls the ball in front of Brazil midfielder Adriana (11) during the first half of a SheBelieves Cup soccer match Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, in Frisco, Texas.

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Brazil forward Bia Zaneratto (16) loses her footing after a foul by United States midfielder Andi Sullivan (17) during the first half of a SheBelieves Cup soccer match Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, in Frisco, Texas.

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United States forward Mallory Swanson (9) and Brazil defender Tainara (5) play for control of the ball during the first half of a SheBelieves Cup soccer match Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, in Frisco, Texas.

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Brazil forward Bia Zaneratto (16) controls the ball in front of United States midfielder Ansi Sullivan (17) during the first half of a SheBelieves Cup soccer match Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, in Frisco, Texas.

FRISCO, Texas — Alex Morgan and Mallory Swanson scored and the United States defeated Brazil 2-1 on Wednesday night to win the SheBelieves Cup for the fourth straight year.

Japan, which defeated Canada 3-0 in the earlier match at Toyota Stadium, was runner-up in the four-team, round-robin tournament. All four SheBelieves Cup teams will play in Women’s World Cup this summer in Australia and New Zealand.

Morgan’s curling goal sailed out of reach of Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena. Morgan now has five goals all-time in SheBelieves matches.

ALEX MORGAN WHAT A GOAL ????

Watch USWNT vs. Brazil on @hbomax pic.twitter.com/CYlCjpLcB4

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 23, 2023

It was Morgan’s 14th goal since the birth of her daughter in 2020, giving her the national team record for most goals as a mom.

Swanson scored in the 63rd minute, her fourth goal of the tournament and seventh overall goal this year, matching her total of all of last year.

Swanson, formerly Mallory Pugh, married Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson in December.

Mallory Swanson does it again! ????

????: @NBCUniverso & @peacock for Spanish Coverage#SheBelievesCup | #USWNT pic.twitter.com/LpyXNFm51H

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 23, 2023

Ludmila scored in stoppage time for Brazil to avoid the shutout. It was the first goal the United States has allowed this year. The United States is undefeated in five overall matches.

Midfielder Rose Lavelle started for the United States after missing the first two matches of the tournament with a minor injury.

Japan snapped a four-game losing streak with its win over Canada. Japan had not scored in four straight matches, including two SheBelieves games, until Kiko Seike put her team in front with a goal in the 26th minute.

The Canadian players, in the midst of a labor dispute with their federation, again wore purple T-shirts reading “Enough is Enough” for the anthems and they wore purple wristbands during the match.

Players for the United States also wore purple wristbands in solidarity with Canada.

The SheBelieves Cup started in 2016. The United States has won six of the eight tournaments.