The United States women’s national team began its search for a third SheBelieves Cup title in four tries with a draw versus tournament debutantes Japan.
[ RECAP: Liverpool 5-0 Watford ]
The other match saw England rebound from an early Brazil penalty to set up a pivotal second match with the USWNT.
USWNT 2-2 Japan
Yuka Momiki’s stoppage time marker was the second time the USWNT conceded a lead on Wednesday in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Alex Morgan scored a late goal after Emi Nakajima tied the match after halftime.
Morgan used her chest to redirect a Christen Press cross home with a 76th minute marker.
MORGAN GIVES THE U.S. THE LEAD!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 28, 2019
That would be her first of 2019 and No. 99 for her USWNT career 🇺🇸 #SheBelieves @alexmorgan13 pic.twitter.com/mhggcJk8ah
Unfortunately for the USWNT, a deft bit of Japanese footwork turned their back line and goalkeeper into a puddle on Momiki’s stoppage time equalizer.
Mistakes abound and Japan equalizes. Geez. Somehow the #USWNT has managed to take the lead twice, and Japan has equalized twice. pic.twitter.com/RDoigL1sHo
— Caitlin Murray (@caitlinmurr) February 28, 2019
But the first goal...
Tobin Heath got the ball on the right wing and dribbled Saori Ariyoshi into a face plant, cueing up Megan Rapinoe for her 42nd international goal and giving Japan a welcome in its first ever SheBelieves Cup match.
No. 17 on the field. No. 1 in our hearts.@TobinHeath does what she wants. pic.twitter.com/UJtQSviref
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 28, 2019
England 2-1 Brazil
If you’re going to score a late winner for your country, might as well make it a worldie.
Arsenal forward Beth Mead hit this vicious strike to complete England’s comeback from a halftime deficit and send Brazil into the loss column.
England faces the USWNT next, while Brazil will meet Japan.
Two second half goals earn the @Lionesses a 2-1 win vs. @CBF_Futebol in their first match of the #SheBelievesCup. Up next, 🇺🇸 vs. 🇯🇵! pic.twitter.com/N423CQPB6g
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 27, 2019
