Lessons from the USWNT’s Brazil friendlies: Thompson’s a star and a keeper dilemma

Alyssa Thompson was a standout for the US in both games v Brazil. Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

The United States women’s national team were very much in the mode of trying out new stuff during friendlies over the last international window. A mostly first choice team looked sharp in a 2-0 victory over Brazil during the first match between the teams, but an extremely young, rotated squad showed their inexperience in a 2-1 defeat on Tuesday.

Head coach Emma Hayes has some tough decisions ahead of her to figure out difficult situations in midfield and goal. But in the forward line, Hayes mostly learned that she has a new star she can rely on.