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Morgan and Swanson captain USWNT to SheBelieves Cup title: 3 takeaways from victory over Brazil

By Caden Charpentier

The United States Womens National Soccer Team celebrates with the trophy following the 2023 SheBelieves Cup soccer match between the United States and Brazil at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on February 22, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
The United States Womens National Soccer Team celebrates with the trophy following the 2023 SheBelieves Cup soccer match between the United States and Brazil at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on February 22, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) /
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FRISCO, TX – FEBRUARY 22: Mallory Swanson #9 of the United States scores her goal and celebrates during the SheBelieves Cup game between Brazil and USWNT at Toyota Stadium on February 22, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Erin Chang/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
FRISCO, TX – FEBRUARY 22: Mallory Swanson #9 of the United States scores her goal and celebrates during the SheBelieves Cup game between Brazil and USWNT at Toyota Stadium on February 22, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Erin Chang/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

Thanks to the composure of Mallory Swanson and the magical left foot of Alex Morgan, the USWNT earned a 2-1 win over Brazil to win the 2023 SheBelieves Cup. 

Nothing about it was easy but Vlatko Andonovski got everything they needed out of this tournament.

In back-to-back contests to close out the SheBelieves Cup, the USWNT had to scrap their way over the line for a win. It may have been the fourth consecutive time the U.S. hoisted the SheBelieves Cup, and the sixth instance overall, but the significance is much more than that. Andonovski not only got to see what he has in several of his players, but the United States demonstrated its ability to win in a multitude of ways.

Against a dynamic Brazil side with talent at all levels of the pitch, the United States backline received a much-needed test. For the first time since April 2022, the opposition found a way through the U.S. defense. Emily Fox failed to stay at the goal side of Atletico Madrid forward Ludmila who slotted home a well-deserved goal in the final minute of regulation for Brazil.

Similar to the Japan match, the USWNT netted a dagger in the final minutes of the first half following a relatively even first 45 minutes. Alex Morgan’s left-footed strike was simply sublime. After being denied a goal just a few moments prior, Morgan made the most of her next chance, netting the 221st goal of her storied international career.

https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1628587795861176320?s=20

There was no fear in the Brazilians as the former United States head coach Pia Sundhage knew what to expect. Kerolin and Adriana caused all sorts of problems for the U.S. throughout the match, showing the NWSL what it can expect from them come to the end of March.

Brazil struck the crossbar in the opening three minutes of the second half, sending warning signs to the USWNT right out of the dressing room. Brazil collected the most shots on target of any United States opponent since the CONCACAF W-Championship final. Morgan’s clinical finish and Swanson’s seventh goal of 2023 were just enough to outlast a top-class side.

Here are the takeaways for the USWNT from a hard-fought triumph against Brazil

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