Portugal Shocks US Women’s Soccer Team

The U.S. women’s soccer team faced an unexpected defeat against Portugal, losing 2-1 in a friendly held at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. This marked the first time Portugal triumphed over the Americans in 12 meetings, ending a long-standing streak. The match was notable, not only for the outcome but also for the farewell celebration of two-time World Cup winner Alex Morgan.

Match Summary

In the early moments of the game, American midfielder Rose Lavelle scored just 33 seconds in, energizing the crowd of more than 17,000 fans. However, Portugal quickly equalized when Diana Gomes scored with a header, marking her eighth international goal.

• Rose Lavelle: Scored a goal at 33 seconds.
• Diana Gomes: Equalized with her first-half goal.
• Fatima Pinto: Secured the win for Portugal with a late goal.

Coach Emma Hayes recognized the effects of a 113-day hiatus from play, stating, “It felt like we just hadn’t played together for a long time.” The team’s lack of cohesion became evident after Lavelle’s early strike, as they became passive throughout the match.

Historic Win for Portugal

This victory marked a significant milestone for Portugal, as they had previously been outscored 40-0 by the U.S. across their last 11 encounters. Fatima Pinto’s goal late in the second half sealed the win, giving Portugal their first international goals against the U.S.

Midfielder Sam Coffey highlighted the necessity for the team to regroup and respond positively to this setback, stating, “We have a choice now of how we respond.” The match is part of the preparation for World Cup qualifications, with another fixture against Portugal and one against New Zealand scheduled soon.

Alex Morgan’s Farewell Celebration

The game included a heartfelt tribute to Alex Morgan, who has made significant contributions to women’s soccer. Highlights of her illustrious career were showcased, including her exceptional four-goal game for the U-20 women’s World Cup team.

• Career Highlights:
  • Two-time World Cup champion (2015, 2019)
  • Olympic gold medalist (2012)
  • 224 matches played for the U.S. national team
  • 123 goals and 53 assists recorded

Fans showed tremendous support for Morgan, with signs and merchandise available at the venue. The celebration honored Morgan’s impressive journey in soccer, which concluded last year when she retired due to her pregnancy. Her legacy remains impactful, and her farewell marked a significant moment in U.S. women’s soccer history.

Impact on the Team

While the U.S. women’s soccer team navigates this defeat, they remain focused on their upcoming matches. Coach Hayes emphasized the importance of using this experience to improve and build synergy within the team. The world will watch how the U.S. responds ahead of the World Cup qualifications.