After a cancellation in Hawaii, the U.S.Women's National Team's Victory Tour rolled on this past week with wins in San Antonio and Phoenix over Trinidad & Tobago and China, respectively.
Morgan Brian and Carli Lloyd started both matches, with Brian going the full 90 in each match and Lloyd, captaining the U.S., subbed out early both times to make way for outgoing legend Amby Wambach. Wambach will play in her final match in the United States' last Victory Tour match, this Wednesday against China in New Orleans. The match begins at 7 p.m. on FS1.
At last Thursday's match vs. Trinidad & Tobago, Lloyd was honored for reaching the 200 cap mark, which came during the World Cup quarterfinal match vs. China this summer. Lloyd is the 10th U.S. player to reach to the 200 cap landmark. Trinidad & Tobago, led by Dash head coach Randy Waldrum, held the U.S. to a 1-0 scoreline—a penalty kick scored by Lloyd, her team-leading 18th of year—in the first half before surrending five second half goals.
Further south, Brazil and Canada have rolled through the first couple of games at the International Tournament of Natal.
Dash defender Allysha Chapman played all 90 minutes of a 3-0 win over Mexico and Sunday's 4-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago, the latter match a preview of a Group B matchup at the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be played at BBVA Compass Stadium in February. Goalkeeper Erin McLeod was given a break in the first match, but stepped between the pipes on Sunday for the 111th time, a Canadian goalkeeper record.
Brazil steamrolled through its first two games, recording an 11-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago and then a 6-0 win over Mexico. Dash midfielder Andressa played the full match against Trinidad & Tobago, and entered as a 69th minute substitute against Mexico. Brazil and Canada will face off on Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. in the final group stage match, and then will meet again next Sunday in the championship match as they have secured the top two spots out of the four teams.
