U.S. Women’s National Team Suffers Shock Defeat to Portugal, 2-1
Lisbon, Portugal – The U.S. Women’s National Team endured a stunning 2-1 loss to Portugal on Wednesday, marking their first defeat as a friendly against Brazil in April and only the third under new head coach Emma Hayes. Goals from Diana Gomes and Fátima Pinto secured a historic victory for Portugal, who hadn’t won in their previous eight matches. Rose Lavelle opened the scoring for the U.S. in the opening minute, but the early lead proved insufficient.
This result represents a significant setback for the USWNT as they navigate a period of transition under Hayes, and just 113 days after a win over Canada.The defeat underscores the growing competitiveness of international women’s soccer and raises questions about the team’s form heading into crucial upcoming competitions. the U.S. will have a rapid opportunity for redemption, facing Portugal again on Sunday before concluding their international window against New Zealand on October 29.
The match began brightly for the americans, with Lavelle finding the back of the net within the first minute. The U.S. nearly doubled their advantage shortly after, but Portugal gradually settled into the contest and proved a resilient opponent. Gomes capitalized on a corner kick just before halftime, heading past goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-joyce to equalize for the home side.
The second half saw the USWNT push for a go-ahead goal,but it was Portugal who struck again. Pinto’s deflected shot in the second half beat Tullis-Joyce, giving Portugal a surprising lead they would ultimately defend.
Prior to kickoff, U.S. Soccer honored the career of retired star Alex Morgan, recognizing her contributions at the same stadium where she scored her first of 123 international goals in 2010 – a record that ranks fifth in program history. Trinity Rodman featured in a largely full-strength U.S. lineup. Despite the loss, hayes’ team will look to regroup and refine their performance in the rematch against Portugal this weekend.
