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Alex Morgan's unmarked tap-in of a Megan
Rapinoe free kick not only put the U.S. ahead 4-1 in the 77th
minute, but it assured the Americans the title based on a better
goal differential than defending champion Australia (plus-5 to
plus-4).
Both the Americans and Aussies finished 2-0-1 for seven points.
Australia earned a 2-0 victory over Japan (0-3-0) earlier in the
day at Toyota Park.
Brazil (1-2-0) struck first on an own goal by American defender
Tierna Davidson before Rose Lavelle tied it in the 33rd. Julie
Ertz made it 2-1 in the 53rd. Tobin Heath scored eight minutes
later for the two-goal U.S. advantage.
The U.S. is 16-0-3 since losing 1-0 to Australia in the
inaugural Tournament of Nations on July 27, 2017.
It was an ominous start for the U.S. when Davidson inadvertently
knocked in a cross by Beatriz.
Lindsey Horan started the comeback with her service inside the
18-yard box to Lavelle, who half-volleyed the one-bounce pass
from 15 yards. Lavelle has three goals in 11 international
matches.
Ertz put the U.S. ahead when she finished what Heath started on
the right flank with a crossover move before a pass to the far
post. Ertz made a late run to score her 16th goal.
Heath doubled the lead with an 18-yard strike for her 20th U.S.
goal after a pass from Morgan. Morgan then scored for the 17th
time in the past 18 matches for the final margin. She has 90
career goals.
The U.S. next plays friendly matches against Chile on Aug. 31 in
Carson, Calif., and Sept. 4 in San Jose, Calif., before regional
World Cup qualifying begins in October.
--Field Level Media
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