The U.S. opened a three-match international break with a frustrating defeat with few positives after the game's first 33 seconds
If the first 33 seconds were anything to go by, the U.S. women's national team were set to cruise. They'd gotten on the board in the blink of an eye, with Rose Lavelle seemingly setting a tone with a first-minute goal. Surely that would be a sign of things to come. Surely, like Spain and England earlier this year, the USWNT would use that goal to kickstart a rout of Portugal.
Not quite. In fact, not even close. Instead, it was the USWNT who found themselves on the end of a stunning 2-1 defeat at Subaru Park, one that served as a harsh reminder that, despite recent successes, this team still has a lot of work to do.
Not only had the USWNT never lost to Portugal – they had won 10 of 11 all-time meetings, with the two teams playing to a scoreless draw in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup – they had never even conceded a goal. After Lavelle's goal, the US held a 40-0 goalscoring advantage over Portugal all-time.
But that changed quickly. After Lavelle quick opening goal, the USWNT were outmuscled and, in truth, outplayed by Portugal. The two goals came off set pieces, one in the first half from Diana Gomes and a deflected effort from Fatima Pinto in the 72nd minute to seal it.
Boiling it down to just that would be unfair to Portugal, though. The visitors played toe-to-toe with the USWNT, having their share of the ball and fighting like hell to get it back every time they lost it. Portugal's performance was scrappy, yes, but it was also somewhat complete, unlike the one put forward by the USWNT, who generated little of note outside of the goal and a few near-misses.
With the 2-1 loss, the USWNT has now dropped three matches in a calendar year for the first time since 2022 – and this was much different than previous 2-1 setbacks against Japan and Brazil, as Portugal entered the match ranked 23rd in FIFA's world rankings. The USWNT is ranked No. 2.
Fortunately for the USWNT, they'll get their chance to respond in just a few days as these two teams face off in East Hartford, Connecticut on Sunday. This was the first game for Emma Hayes' side in 113 days, having last played in a 3-0 win over Canada on July 2. The rust was obvious, but Sam Coffey gave that justification no legitimacy, calling it a "cop out." She noted that Hayes called out the lack of team cohesiveness.
"Disappointment is the word," Coffey told TNT after the match. "Conceding on two set pieces? We pride ourselves on defensive set pieces and we did not live up to that standard tonight. Her biggest message was that we were just too individual. We didn’t play as the incredible team that we are tonight. We tried to do it as individuals, and that’s not who we are. The strength of the team is its numbers, the group itself. We did not show that tonight. That’s a huge learning for us."
Hayes was equally frustrated, saying of the 113-day layoff, "I aged 113 years on the touchline. Like, it was frustrating, of course. Listen, our team have been wonderful since I've been here. This, for me, is a moment for us to really lean in and say, ‘Look, there's a reason we set you up a certain way. And, you know, sometimes it doesn't happen.' And I'm frustrated because I know everybody wants to do well and we're disappointed… We scored a goal and we stopped playing."
If the U.S. wants to change the result, and the narrative, they'll need much better on Sunday.
GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Subaru Park.
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7/10):
Kick-started the early goal by playing the ball upfield. Great kick save in the first half, and not much she could do on either goal.
Emily Fox (6/10):
Felt like a bit of a risk starting her given her recent injury issues, but she seemed fine. Some scary moments, though, due to Portugal's physicality.
Tara McKeown (4/10):
A little bit too shaky in the moments in which Portugal challenged her. Will need to clean those up if she wants to challenge for a starting role.
Emily Sonnett (4/10):
Couldn't get there to prevent the first goal and it seemed that it was her mark that scored. Was fine outside of the set pieces, but centerbacks are always frustrated to concede on corners.
Avery Patterson (6/10):
Showed off some of the attacking juice that makes her such an interesting addition to this team. Struggled at times with the physicality but fought back more as the game went on, creating a few chances.
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Sam Coffey (5/10):
Depending on Hayes' set-piece tactics, may have been partially responsible for the first goal. Did plenty of the defensive duties, though, with the two more offensive-minded midfielders next to her.
Lindsey Heaps (5/10):
Had some good moments and some frustrating ones, particularly out of possession. Not wildly effective, though, as she usually is.
Rose Lavelle (7/10):
Was such a nice finish that the assistant referee didn't even realize to call it back for offside. Credit to Lavelle, though, despite the positioning as, even outside of the goal, she was an attacking menace all game.
Getty ImagesAttack
Alyssa Thompson (5/10):
Pace made her dangerous, but the decision-making could use some work. It was easy to see the problems she created, but she needs to make more of it.
Catarina Macario (7/10):
Got the assist and was very shifty on the ball throughout. Probably deserved a goal and might have had one if not for a tight offside call midway through the second half.
Michelle Cooper (5/10):
Took an absolute beating in the first half, but soldiered through, making it to the second half despite nearly coming off early on.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Claire Hutton (7/10):
A good appearance from the young midfielder, as that unit looked much more lively after the young subs came on.
Lily Yohannes (6/10):
Didn't have any signature passes, but the game probably could have used her a bit earlier given Portugal's possession numbers.
Emma Sears (6/10):
Definitely brought some life to the team, creating some danger down the wing shortly after coming on.
Yazmeen Ryan (5/10):
Came in as the No. 9 and definitely had energy, but there wasn't much service.
Jaedyn Shaw (N/A):
Would have been nice to see her in the game earlier with a chance to make an impact.
Emma Hayes (6/10):
It easy to understand the desire to see the team play through tough stretches, but it seemed clear that this game needed subs earlier. At this point in the cycle, though, all good to see if her put the team to the test. It's just that you lose sometimes when that happens.