USA vs. Brazil Women's Soccer: Score and Reaction from Sunday's Friendly

The USA bounced back from their draw in the previous friendly with Brazil, beating the South American giants 3-1 on Sunday in Orlando, Florida.

Alex Morgan gave the hosts an early lead before sustained pressure from Brazil resulted in an equaliser from Cristiane just before half-time. The 1-1 score didn't last long, however, as Crystal Dunn put the USA back in front with a strong volley.

A multitude of substitutions saw few real chances in the second half, and debutante Stephanie McCaffrey added a third goal in the dying minutes.

The match marked the final time Lauren Holiday and Lori Chalupny would play for the Stars and Stripes, with the former taking the captain's armband, per the team's official Twitter account:

Brazil started the match in strong fashion, pressing forward and creating danger early. Just three minutes in, star forward Marta hit the crossbar with a shot, sending a clear warning to the hosts that their unbeaten streak could be coming to an end.

The USA's response was swift, however. Tobin Heath sent a beautiful pass to Morgan, who didn't hesitate one second and gave the hosts the lead after nine minutes.

Here's the goal:

The American Outlaws noticed the USA's efficiency in front of goal:

The setback seemed to shock the Brazilians, who had started the match with such attacking intentions, and for the next couple of minutes, play was restricted to a number of hard fouls and battles in midfield.

After 21 minutes, Chalupny received a standing ovation as she departed the pitch for the last time, to be replaced by Meghan Klingenberg. The Chicago Red Stars' official Twitter account thanked the veteran for her incredible contributions:

"

.@lorichalupny coming off to a LOUD ovation. Perserverence, inspiration, strength. Just a few words to describe the legend. #ThanksChups

— #ThanksChups (@chicagoredstars) October 25, 2015"

So did Morgan:

Brazil cared little for sentiment, however, and continued to press high up the pitch. Morgan nearly doubled her tally on the counter-attack but instead found the side netting with her shot. However, most of the chances started to fall at the other side of the pitch.

Marta teed up Cristiane perfectly for what should have been the equaliser, but the forward couldn't hold her run and wandered just offside. Not that it mattered―Becky Sauerbrunn produced one of the best clearances you'll see all year:

Minutes later, Fabiana hit the woodwork again with a cross that fluttered over Hope Solo, before Andressinha just missed the target with an effort from range.

Cristiane was next to miss a promising chance, firing over from inside the box, and at this point, the visitors more than deserved an equalising goal. It finally came just before half-time, as Marta went another surging run before slipping the ball to Cristiane, who turned inside and fired the ball into the left corner.

But while the Brazilians were celebrating a deserved equaliser, the Stars and Stripes showed again why they're the current world champions. Fresh off conceding, they pushed forward and crossed the ball into the box, where Dunn made it 2-1 off a rebound. The Red Stars used the opportunity to taunt rivals Washington Spirit a bit:

The half-time score was a little harsh on the Brazilians, who certainly had the better of play and the better chances in the first half.

The second half was different, however. Debutante McCaffrey showed no signs of nerves whatsoever, proving herself a real menace out on the wing with constant runs forward and a number of solid crosses.

While it didn't lead to a lot of chances, it did help take the pressure off, as Brazil were less inclined to send their full-backs forward, knowing the young winger could take advantage of the space.

The ever-popular Carli Lloyd came on in the 56th minute to replace Holiday, prompting this tweet from the team's official Twitter account:

The substitution almost paid huge dividends immediately, as Lloyd sent Morgan through on goal with a superb pass. The striker finished well but was flagged down for offside.

Marta had a great chance to find an equaliser after 65 minutes, but Solo read the play well and got down in time to make the stop. Andressa curled a free-kick over the bar from a promising position, with Marta on the sideline receiving treatment. 

Gina Lewandowski became the third player to make her USWNT debut, replacing Ali Krieger after 74 minutes as Brazil continued to push. But despite all the pressure, the USA stood firm, giving away few chances. There was still time for McCaffrey to add a third goal, however, ending her debut match with a bang.

The USWNT's Victory Tour will continue in December as the team travels to Honolulu to take on Trinidad and Tobago. They'll play the Caribbean nation twice before a doubleheader with China to end the year. 

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