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Global Dec 12, 2017

U.S. U-20 WNT falls to Brazil 2-0 in Nike Friendlies finale

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Florida (Via U.S. Soccer) – The U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team came into the 2017 Women’s Nike International Friendlies finale against Brazil needing a win to take the tournament title, but instead dropped a 2-0 decision while giving up a goal in each half.

With the result, England wins the tournament with seven points from two wins and a tie. Brazil, a 1-0 loser to England on Dec. 9, finished second with six points and the USA was third with four points. Finland finished fourth with zero points.

Both teams struggled to create quality chances on the night, but Brazil found the net on a penalty kick and a counter-attack to earn the victory.

+READ: U.S. U-20 WNT storms past Finland 10-1 in Nike Friendlies

The USA started the game well, knocking the ball around and creating several scoring opportunities, but the match turned in the 11th minute when the USA lost the ball deep in its own half and Brazilian forward Kerolin raced in on goal. She was brought down in the penalty area and Victoria converted the penalty kick for the 1-0 lead. Brazil then played an excellent first half, controlling possession while playing at a high pace and taking the game to the USA.

The USA once again came out strong after halftime, exerting some intense pressure in search of an equalizer, but Brazil scored via a counter attack in the 59th minute to provide the final margin.

U.S. forward Civana Kuhlmann won the tournament’s Golden Boot award as the top scorer for her four goals scored against Finland on Dec. 9. Brazil’s Kamelli, who along with her defense allowed just one goal over the three games, won the Golden Glove as the top goalkeeper.

Next up for the USA is a training camp in Florida at the end of the year which will mark its final preparations for the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship taking place from Jan. 18-28 in Trinidad & Tobago. The top three finishers from that tournament will earn berths to the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France.

+READ: Roster announced for final U.S. U-17 WNT training camp of 2017

Goal Scoring Rundown:

BRA – Victoria (penalty kick), 11th minute: The USA was dominating the game, but then committed a costly turnover in the back, giving Kerolin the chance to race into the penalty area where she was bundled down by Zoe Morse. Victoria stepped up to take the kick and plowed her shot into the lower left corner to give Brazil and early lead. USA 0, BRA 1.

BRA – Kerolin (Ana Victoria) 59th minute: The USA was pushing for an equalizer the entire second half, but as often happens, got caught on the counter attack as Kerolin raced in on goal on a breakaway and lifted a chip over charging U.S. goalkeeper Amanda McGlynn. USA 0, BRA 2. FINAL.

Additional Notes:

  • Had the USA not given up a 90th minute goal in its first match of the tournament on Dec. 7 to tie England 3-3, and instead had won that match, it would have won the tournament.
  • U.S. forward Jordan Harr went down with what looked to be a serious injury early and had to be subbed off in the 20th minute. She was replaced by Taryn Torres, who was herself replaced by Kelsey Turnbow in the 78th minute.
  • U.S. head coach Jitka Klimkova used all six subs while trying to claw back into the match. She sent on midfielder Jaelin Howell and forward Abigail Kim at halftime and both added some spark to the attack. Midfielder Brianna Pinto and defender Tara McKeown also saw action.
2017 Women’s Nike International Friendlies Standings
Team GP W L D Pts. GF GA GD
England 3 2 0 1 7 10 3 +7
Brazil 3 2 1 0 6 6 1 +5
USA 3 1 1 1 4 13 6 +7
Finland 3 0 3 0 0 1 20 -19

-U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team Match Report-

Match: United States U-20 WNT vs. Brazil U-20 WNT
Date: December 11, 2017
Competition: 2017 Women’s Nike International Friendlies
Venue: Premier Sports Complex Stadium; Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET
Weather: 56 degrees, breezy, clear
Attendance: 350

Scoring Summary:    1          2          F
USA                             0          0          0
BRA                             1          1          2

BRA – Victoria (penalty kick)              11th minute
BRA – Kerolin (Ana Victoria)              59

Lineups:
USA: 1-Amanda McGlynn; 3-Jordan Brewster (25-Tara McKeown, 63), 5-Zoe Morse, 4-Naomi Girma, 19-Isabel Rodriguez; 16-Viviana Villacorta, 13-Samantha Coffey (6-Jaelin Howell, 46), 10-Savannah DeMelo (capt.) (8-Brianna Pinto, 64); 20-Civana Kuhlmann (7-Abigail Kim, 46), 9-Sophia Smith, 11-Jordan Harr (17-Taryn Torres, 20, 18-Kelsey Turnbow, 78)

Subs Not Used: 2-Julia Bingham, 12-Claudia Dickey, 15-Karina Rodriguez
Head Coach: Jitka Klimkova

BRA: 1-Kemelli; 14-Isa, 3-Thais Regina, 16-Andressa, 6-Reiss; 18-Ana Victoria (capt.), 8-Karla Alves, 7-Angelina, 10-Victoria; 11-Brenda Woch, 17-Kerolin

Subs Not Used: 2-Mona, 4-Ingryd, 5-Luana, 9-Valeria, 12-Stefane, 13-Tainara, 15-Juliana
Head Coach: Dorival Bueno Pacheco 

Stats Summary: USA / BRA
Shots: 4 / 11
Shots on Goal: 2 / 3
Saves: 1 / 2
Corner Kicks: 2 / 7
Fouls: 11 / 12
Offside: 3 / 1

Misconduct Summary:
BRA – Reiss (caution)            90+1

Officials:
Referee: Katja Koroleva (USA)
Assistant Referee: Kaili Terry (USA)
Assistant Referee: Jennifer Politz (USA)
Fourth Official: Jamie Padilla (USA)

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