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    Tobin Heath, USA Women's Soccer Team Beat Brazil 1-0 in SheBelieves Cup

    Rob Goldberg@TheRobGoldbergFeatured ColumnistMarch 6, 2019

    United States' Tobin Heath, second from right, is congratulated on her goal by Mallory Pugh (11), Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan (13) during the first half of a SheBelieves Cup soccer match against Brazil Tuesday, March 5, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)
    Mike Carlson/Associated Press

    The United States women's national team salvaged a disappointing showing in the SheBelieves Cup with a 1-0 win over Brazil on Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

    Tobin Heath scored the match's only goal and Ashlyn Harris kept the shutout to lead the squad to its first win of the tournament after draws against Japan and champions England. The hosts ended up in second place out of four teams with five points in three matches.

    Brazil finishes in last place after three straight losses in its first appearance at the fourth year of this tournament.

           

    Tobin Heath Continues to Be Game-Changing Player for USWNT

    Casual fans of the team know about Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, but Heath has arguably been the team's most important player as of late.

    The forward has been a difference-maker with her ability to push the action down the line and put pressure on defenders. She has also shown that she can either find teammates for open shots at the net or finish herself.

    Tobin Heath, USA Women's Soccer Team Beat Brazil 1-0 in SheBelieves Cup
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    The first goal against Brazil featured an outstanding individual effort from Heath, who created the opportunity and then had a beautiful finish after Morgan failed:

    FOX Soccer @FOXSoccer

    What a counter by the USWNT! ⚽️ Tobin Heath puts in the rebound with a clinical finish for the 1-0 lead after Morgan's shot is saved. 🇺🇸 #SheBelieves https://t.co/zrE6kDlRsW

    Stars and Stripes FC @StarsStripesFC

    Great great great run by Tobin Heath, Rapinoe's slashing run opens up huge space for Morgan to receive the pass, she's stuffed by Aline but the rebound is finished with extreme prejudice by Heath. Aly Wagner just called it "luscious" which is...accurate. USA 1-0 BRA 20'

    She also created more chances that didn't end in goals.

    In an otherwise mediocre tournament from the U.S. squad, Heath continues to stand out:

    Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf

    Individually, it has been a fine tournament for Tobin Heath, despite the team's overall struggles. Brilliant decisions to twice cutting across her defender on that counterattack that led to her goal, which was a pinpoint finish.

    This has been the case for the past few months:

    OptaJack⚽️ @OptaJack

    7 - @TobinHeath now has seven goals in her last nine appearances for the @USWNT. Finisher.

    There are plenty of players who look good when things are going well against inferior opponents. However, it takes another level of talent to succeed against the best competition in the world.

    Heath has that type of ability, and her production is finally catching up to her potential.

    If the Americans are going to win the World Cup this year, the 30-year-old will likely be a major part of the team's success.

            

    What's Next?

    The United States will continue to prepare for this summer's FIFA World Cup with a pair of home friendlies next month. The team will face Australia in Commerce City, Colorado, on April 4 and Belgium at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on April 7.