From Fast Start to Tough Lesson: USWNT’s Youthful Lineup Pushes Brazil to the Limit
Macario Scores Early, But Brazil Answers Late in Second Match of Doubleheader as Emma Hayes Continues to Prioritize Youth Development
Hayes’ Youth Movement Shines Despite Last-Minute Loss to Brazil in High-Stakes Friendly
In a match that showcased the evolving identity of the U.S. Women’s National Team under head coach Emma Hayes, Brazil emerged with a 2-1 victory on April 9, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the second of two high-profile friendlies between two global powerhouses.
While the USWNT won the first match 2-0 in Inglewood on April 5, the second leg—played just days later—provided valuable minutes for rising stars and served as another step in what Hayes has described as a critical phase of building the next generation of champions. As SoccerToday has covered in recent weeks, Hayes has emphasized giving young players real experience on the international stage—a commitment clearly reflected in this latest roster. 
A Dream Start from Macario
The Americans struck first—and fast. Just 34 seconds after kickoff, forward Catarina Macario capitalized on a loose ball following a creative give-and-go with Alyssa Thompson, scoring her 10th career international goal and her first against the country of her birth, Brazil. It was the seventh-fastest goal in USWNT history and a reminder of the dynamic threat Macario brings, especially when fully fit.
Michelob Ultra Woman of the Match: Cat Macario
Macario’s goal held added significance. The Stanford alumna found the net at Levi’s Stadium—just 20 miles from where she helped lead her college team to a national title in 2019.
Brazil Strikes Back—Twice
Brazil equalized in the 24th minute as Kerolin, the former NWSL MVP, found space in the box and launched a shot past U.S. goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn. The game remained deadlocked until the dying moments, when a U.S. free kick turned into a counterattack that saw Luany fly down the flank and assist Amanda Gutierres for a tap-in game-winner in the 95th minute.
It marked Brazil’s first win over the USA since 2014, and only their fourth all-time.
A Youthful XI Signals a New Era
Despite the loss, the performance reflected Hayes’ strategic vision. With a starting lineup averaging just 17.9 caps, it was the least-experienced USWNT XI in over two decades. At 26, Macario was the second-oldest starter. Veteran Emily Sonnett, with 107 caps, had more international experience than the rest of the starters combined.
Editorial Note: Will American soccer fans question Emma Hayes’ prioritizing youth in USWNT’s 2-1 Loss to Brazil because she chose to plan for the future and player pathway taking center stage? Leadership is never easy, and we are relying on our choice of head coach to make the tough decisions to pave the way to a strong, dynamic, and bright future, so we should support her choices.
This match also marked a milestone for several future stars:
- Claire Hutton (19) and Gisele Thompson (19) played the full 90 minutes.
- Lily Yohannes (17) started and impressed in the first half.
- Avery Patterson (22) and Michelle Cooper (22) made their first international starts.
These aren’t just debuts—they’re building blocks. Hayes is leaning into youth not just for depth, but to identify the players who can grow into leaders by 2027 and beyond.
Lessons Beyond the Scoreline
While the late-game breakdown stung, the takeaway is clear: under Hayes, the U.S. is committed to redefining its player pathway and trusting the process. It’s a long-term play rooted in development, resilience, and tactical growth.
Veterans like Crystal Dunn, Sam Coffey, and Lindsey Horan were introduced in the second half to stabilize the squad, and Hayes’ use of seven substitutions (including a concussion sub) demonstrated her willingness to test combinations under pressure.
As SoccerToday continues to cover, this transitional phase isn’t just about building a competitive roster—it’s about setting the tone for the future of American women’s soccer, from the grassroots to the global stage.
What’s Next for the USWNT?
The U.S. will return to action with a two-match series against China PR on May 31 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and June 3 in St. Louis, Missouri. Expect continued experimentation—and more young players seizing their moment.
READ on U.S. Soccer: CATARINA MACARIO GAINING CONFIDENCE WITH USWNT AS SHE CONTINUES RETURN FROM INJURY SETBACKS
More USWNT & Emma Hayes Coverage on SoccerToday.com
🔹 Emma Hayes Names USWNT Roster for Brazil Matches, Emphasizes Youth Development and Accountability
🔹 Emma Hayes Names 23-Player USWNT Roster for 2025 She Believes Cup
🔹 Young Stars Shine as USWNT Triumphs Over Brazil Under Emma Hayes’ Leadership
U.S. Women’s National Team Match Update
Match: United States Women’s National Team vs. Brazil
Date: April 8, 2025
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Attendance: 18,000 (Sell Out)
Kickoff: 7:37 p.m. local (10:37 p.m. ET)
Weather: 61 degrees, mostly cloudy
Scoring Summary:
USA – Catarina Macario 1st minute
BRA – Kerolin (Gio) 24
BRA – Amanda Gutierres (Luany) 90+5
Match Lineups:
USA: 18-Mandy McGlynn; 12-Gisele Thompson, 4-Tara McKeown (5-Alana Cook, 46), 14-Emily Sonnett (Capt.), 13-Avery Patterson (19-Crystal Dunn, 67 – Concussion Sub); 16-Claire Hutton, 3-Korbin Albert (17-Sam Coffey, 58), 24-Lily Yohannes (8-Jaedyn Shaw, 46); 15-Michelle Cooper (22-Yazmeen Ryan, 58), 20-Catarina Macario (10-Lindsey Heaps, 58), 11-Alyssa Thompson (9-Ally Sentnor, 74)
Substitutes not used: 1-Jane Campbell, 6-Emily Sams, 7-Ashley Hatch, 21-Phallon Tullis-Joyce, 23-Emily Fox
Head coach: Emma Hayes
BRA: 12-Natascha; 13-Bruninha (19-Luany, 36), 23-Isa Haas, 4-Lauren (20-Mariza, 36), 15-Fê Palermo (16-Kaká, 78), 5-Duda Sampaio (17-Lais Estevam, 78), 8-Angelina (Capt.), 6-Yasmim, 18-Gabi Portilho (7-Jheniffer, 90+3), 21-Gio (11-Amanda Gutierres, 90+3), 10-Kerolin
Substitutes not used: 1-Lorena, 22-Camila, 2-Antônia, 3-Tarciane,9-Adriana,14-Ludmila
Head coach: Arthur Elias
Top Photo Credit: U.S. Soccer
