Brazil Secures 2-1 Win Over USWNT Thanks to Bia Zaneratto's Early Goal

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) — In a thrilling encounter on Saturday, Bia Zaneratto found the net in the 14th minute, propelling Brazil to a 2-1 victory over the United States women's national soccer team. The home crowd provided an electric atmosphere in support of the Brazilian squad.

The match kicked off with a bang as Sophia Wilson scored for the U.S. just two minutes in, executing a left-footed shot from the edge of the box. This marked Wilson's first goal for the national team since her return from maternity leave in April, bringing her international tally to 25 goals.

Brazil equalized shortly thereafter when Taina Maranhão headed the ball in during the 11th minute. The home team then took the lead when Zaneratto finished a well-placed pass from Dudinha, slipping the ball past U.S. goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn. This match is the first of two friendlies between the teams, with a rematch set for Tuesday in Fortaleza.

In a notable return, Mallory Swanson was included in U.S. coach Emma Hayes' lineup for the first time in 18 months, following her parental leave. Swanson's presence reunited her with teammates Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith, who last played together during the 2024 Olympics. Although Swanson was available off the bench, she did not see action in the match, while Rodman left the field in the closing minutes after receiving treatment for an unspecified injury.

These friendlies mark the U.S. team's first matches outside of American soil since November 2024. Brazil, having won five of their seven matches this year, had star player Marta on the bench but did not utilize her in the game. Both venues in Sao Paulo and Fortaleza are set to host matches during next summer's Women's World Cup, while the U.S. prepares to qualify for the tournament at the upcoming CONCACAF W Championship starting in late November.