The U.S. Women`s National Team is set to play against Brazil in a two-game friendly series this April. The first match will take place at SoFi Stadium in California, followed by the second game in Northern California on April 8.
Coach Emma Hayes is using this period to assess and expand the player pool in preparation for the 2027-28 cycle. Trinity Rodman is back on the roster for the first time since the 2024 Olympic gold medal match, having recovered from a back injury. Ashley Hatch and Alana Cook also return to the team after being absent since 2023. Gisele Thompson has been called up as a replacement for Tierna Davidson, who unfortunately suffered an ACL tear.
The team aims to rebound after losing to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup, which ended their five-year winning streak in the tournament.
Match Details
- Date: April 5, 2025
- Location: SoFi Stadium — Los Angeles, CA
- TV: TNT
- Live stream: Max
- Odds: USA -145; +260 Draw; + 390 BRAZIL
Previous Encounter
2024 Olympic Gold Medal Final: These two teams last met in a high-stakes final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The USWNT secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Mal Swanson and crucial saves by Alyssa Naeher, earning them the gold medal.
USWNT Perspective
Coach Hayes is not only evaluating players but also implementing new strategies and integrating the U23 team. January saw dual training camps to introduce players and coaches. This April camp is the first time a U23 camp is being held alongside a senior camp in conjunction with games.
Hayes commented that some players in the senior team could have been in the U23 program if not for injuries to senior players. She believes these camps in April, May, and June will foster better team chemistry, despite current inexperience. She feels the team is in a much better position now and expects a stronger roster eventually, even if it doesn`t always seem that way immediately.
Projected Lineups
Lineup projections vary among analysts. Darian Jenkins predicts the following starting XI for the USWNT against Brazil:
USWNT Starting XI: Jane Campbell, Emily Fox, Emily Sams, Emily Sonnett, Crystal Dunn; Sam Coffey, Lily Yohannes, Lindsey Heaps; Yazmeen Ryan, Catarina Macario, Alyssa Thompson
Player Spotlight
Alyssa Thompson: The Angel City FC forward has started the NWSL season strongly, leading her club in goals (two) and ranking second in chances created (five) in the first three games. Her ability to challenge defenders and create scoring opportunities makes her a significant threat against Brazil.
Thompson noted Brazil`s strategy of isolating players to create numerical advantages and emphasized the importance of creating space. She acknowledges Brazil as a strong team and is focused on winning and team development.
Key Storyline
Expanded Player Pool: After two high-pressure matches in 2024 (Gold Cup and Olympics), this spring meeting is less about titles and more about evaluation. Coach Hayes and her staff are using these games to give players valuable minutes in important positions. The team is also motivated to respond positively after their SheBelieves Cup performance.
Match Prediction
Friendly matches often involve adjustments in the first game. With many Brazilian players also in the NWSL, both teams are in similar phases of their season. This familiarity could lead to another close game with goals as they adapt to each other. Prediction: USWNT 2, Brazil 1
