U.S. U-19 WNT finishes European friendlies unbeaten with 1-1 draw against Portugal

SÃO JOÃO DA MADEIRA, PORTUGAL –The U.S. Under-19 Women’s National Team drew host Portugal, 1-1, in the third and final game of training camp in Portugal. The USA had previously beaten Wales, 3-0, and Czechia, 2-0.

Both goals came in the first half about 10 minutes apart and the USA struck first when forward Lauren Malsom set up a cutting Micayla Johnson with a great ball at the top of the penalty area, hitting the Chicago Stars forward in stride for her to finish past the goalkeeper’s outstretched arm in the 34th minute.

Portugal’s Luana Bessa tied the game in the 43rd when she collected a long ball and got off a shot that snuck through U.S. goalkeeper Evan O’Steen.

The USA outshot Portugal 11-5 and leaves Europe after scoring six goals while allowing just one over the three friendly matches.

(+Players to Watch: Jefferson Cup 2026 Girls Showcase Weekend)

Players born on or after Jan. 1, 2006, are age-eligible for next year’s 2026 FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup in Poland, meaning all 20 players in camp are training and playing for a shot at that tournament.

These matches were a part of the Federation’s continued focus on the U.S. Way philosophy, which emphasizes increased programming for Youth National Teams to create more opportunities for young players to advance through the pathway to the senior National Team with the goal of representing their country at a world championship.

-U.S. UNDER-19 WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM MATCH REPORT-

Match: United States U-19 Women’s National Team v Portugal U-19 Women’s National Team
Date: March 6, 2026
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: Estadio Conde Dias Garcia; São João da Madeira, Portugal
Weather: Sunny, 61 degrees

Lineups:

USA: 1-Evan O’Steen; 2-Isabelle Devey, 3-Jocelyn Travers (13-Maddy Herniter, 60), 4-Ella Bard, 5-Pearl Cecil (15-Edra Bello, 60); 6-Nyanya Touray (16-Riley Cross, 60), 7-Micayla Johnson (17-Sariyah Bailey, 60), 18-Keira Kemmerley (8-Kennedy Ring, 45); 9-Lauren Malsom (19-Rylee McLanahan, 60), 10-Ashlyn Puerta (20-Mya Townes, 60), 11-Sealey Strawn (Capt.) (14-Avery Oder, 70)

Subs not used: 12-Daphne Nakfoor

Head Coach: Carrie Kveton

POR: 1-Rafaela Mendonca, 2-Iara Lobo, 3-Matilde Sousa, 4-Carolina Simoes, 5-Francisca Castro, 7-Matilde Nave (14-Cristina Fernandes, 70), 8-Rita Melo (6-Joana Valente, 58), 10-Carolina Tristao (15-Semy Magalhaes, 70), 11-Cintia Martins (18-Joana Reis, 58), 13-Luana Bessa (9-Eva Carreira, 70), 16-Sofia Liu

Subs not used: 12-Chloe Romao,17-Laura Silva, 19-Sofia Cruz, 20-Contanca Maia, 21-Carolina Machado, 23-Caetana Vicente

Head Coach: Ricardo Tavares

Stats Summary: USA / POR
Shots: 11 / 5
Shots on Goal: 4 / 4
Saves: 3 / 3
Corner Kicks: 2 / 1
Fouls: 9 / 8
Offside: 1 / 1