U.S. U20 WNT fall in Nike Friendlies finale

by Travis Clark

December 12, 2017

Needing just a win to clinch the first-ever Women's Nike Friendlies crown, the U.S. U20 WNT was outclassed by Brazil, falling 2-0 on Monday night in Florida.

Brazil midfielder Victoria converted a penalty kick in the 11th minute, while Kerolin provided a brilliant finish in the 59th minute to seal the win.

The U.S. had a chance to take the lead in the opening minute. Sophie Smith slipped Civanna Kuhlmann in behind the Brazil back line 50 seconds into the match, but the Stanford striker's effort was saved by Brazilian goalkeeper Kemelli.

Pressing high up the field in the first 10 minutes, the U.S. kept Brazil pinned back in their own half. However, they failed to turn that into any dangerous scoring opportunities, aside from the early chance for Kuhlmann. Sophie Smith did have a go from just outside the box in the ninth minute, though it wasn't a difficult save for the Brazilian 'keeper.

MORE: Complete DA Showcase + Nike Friendlies coverage

A poor turnover opened the door for Brazil to take the lead. Naomi Girma took a poor touch and was caught in possession by Brazil's Brenca Woch. She played Kerolin into space, and U.S. defender Zoe Morse fouled Kerolin in the box. Brazil's Victoria stepped up and beat Amanda McGlynn from the penalty spot to open the scoring.

From there, the U.S. failed to generate many clearcut scoring chances, and Brazil put the game away with about 30 minutes left. Midfielder Ana Victoria found herself on the ball with no pressure. She curled in a pass towards Kerolin, who had a step on Girma. Kerolin dinked a lovely shot over an on-rushing McGlynn to make it 2-0.

It was a lead that the Brazilians wouldn't relinquish, as they outshot the U.S. by an 11-4 margin. With the result, England finished as the champions of the Nike Friendlies, having beaten Finland 6-0

U.S. lineup: Amanda McGlynn; Jordan Brewster, Zoe Morse, Naomi Girma, Isabel Rodriguez; Viviana Villacorta, Sam Coffey, Savannah DeMelo; Civana Kuhlmann, Sophia Smith, Jordan Harr

Full Match Replay: