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Emma Hayes’ side endured a turbulent start to their June training camp in Brazil but managed to balance the series with a fiercely contested 1-0 win.

It was fiery, chaotic, and far from pretty — but precisely the kind of test the U.S. Women’s National Team had been seeking as they prepare for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers later this year.

The U.S. lost the opening match 2-1 to Brazil, learning the hard way that they needed to move the ball faster, take their chances clinically, and manage Brazil’s relentless pressure more effectively. On Tuesday, the Americans bounced back with a 1-0 win, a match that caught global attention after an astonishing eight red cards were issued at Arena Castelao in Fortaleza, Brazil.

Most of the dismissals came late in the game, many directed at Brazil’s coaching staff, but the players weren’t spared either. Beatriz Zaneratto Joao was sent off in the 90+4 minute, followed by Tarciane in the 90+9 minute.

While the red cards stole the headlines, there was much to analyse from the USWNT’s performances over the two encounters. Their handling of the intensity, tempo, and aggression from Brazil provided the perfect test ahead of the qualifiers — something Emma Hayes fully embraced.

“I love the pressure, and my players love the pressure, because otherwise, why play if you can’t take responsibility to be in these situations?” Hayes said after the match. “We’re growing, and I loved it.”

After two matches in Brazil, some players significantly boosted their standing, while others saw their stock fall.

Let’s take a closer look at who impressed and who struggled.

Stock Up: Sophia Wilson

If anyone’s stock soared during this trip, it was Sophia Wilson’s. The forward was dynamic, physical, and faced an uphill battle in both matches. Brazil marked her tightly, giving her no room to turn or dribble. Yet, with her creativity and confidence, Wilson found space and emerged as the only U.S. player to score across the two games. In the first match, she netted her 25th international goal in 62 appearances, becoming the ninth mother to score for the USWNT.

“It always feels good to score for this team and contribute in any way I can,” Wilson said after the first game. In the second match, she was instrumental in the move that resulted in the lone goal — though it was later ruled an own goal by Brazil. Reflecting on the team’s mindset, she explained:

“It’s not really our style to get riled up or in the ref’s face. We just stay composed, play our game, and focus on what we can control.”

Stock Down: Lily Yohannes

Against Brazil, Lily Yohannes’ youth was more evident than ever. She wasn’t overwhelmed or lacking effort, but she appeared unsure in central areas. Usually at her best alongside Lindsey Heaps — a partnership that brings structure and balance — Yohannes struggled to find rhythm across both games, misplacing passes and falling behind the tempo at times.

This was also a uniquely intense international environment for her, one she hadn’t fully experienced before. Thrown into the deep end, she couldn’t impose her usual creative influence. Still, Hayes remains committed to her development, and these tough outings will serve as valuable lessons as Yohannes competes for a bigger role in a crowded midfield unit.

Stock Up: Kennedy Wesley

San Diego Wave’s Kennedy Wesley was outstanding against Brazil. Even after the USWNT switched to a three-back system, she coped admirably with Brazil’s direct long balls and blistering pace up front.

Wesley’s composure and strength in duels make her a major asset. Her calmness under pressure and ability to read play evoke comparisons with Naomi Girma. Wesley also formed an effective partnership with Emily Sonnett — with Sonnett stepping forward to challenge, while Wesley provided cover.

“From the outset, we matched their physicality completely,” Wesley said after Tuesday’s match. “We aimed to frustrate them and beat them at their own game, and collectively, we rose to the occasion. We fought hard, won our battles, and that carried us through.”

Her leadership and poise were clear to see. “This was like a trial run for us, and there’s no better atmosphere for that,” she added. “It’s a great test, and for us to fight, battle, and score shows who we are becoming. It’s really exciting.”

While Girma and Sonnett remain Hayes’ preferred central pairing, Wesley has shown she can compete at the highest level, capable of performing in both a back three and a back four setup.

Stock Down: Gisele Thompson

Gisele Thompson wasn’t poor in the first outing, but she struggled physically to match Brazil’s aggressive pace and power. She didn’t feature in the second game, but given her first performance, it was a tough day for any full-back against the likes of Kerolin, Maranhão, and Zaneratto.

In the opening match, Maranhão’s goal came from a cross that Thompson could’ve helped block. Later, a loose pass in midfield led to Brazil’s second goal, and Thompson was caught out of position. It was a learning experience for the young defender, one that will strengthen her going forward.

“It was an incredible atmosphere, and no matter how much I prepare my team for it, you can only truly understand it once you live it,” Hayes said. “For many of my players, this was their first time experiencing that level of intensity from the crowd.”

Thompson will need to sharpen her recovery runs and positional discipline if she hopes to cement a spot at full-back during the qualifiers.

Stock Up: Trinity Rodman

Trinity Rodman’s stock rose as well. Her tireless work rate and physicality were pivotal in helping Sophia Wilson find her scoring touch again. Much of Rodman’s contribution was gritty and unnoticed but vital.

Rodman thrives under pressure, and Brazil’s intensity only sharpened her focus. Although she appeared a bit rusty technically, she matched the physical battle blow for blow. After suffering a yellow card and a knock in the first match, there were concerns about her availability for the second game. But she recovered in time and contributed significantly off the bench.

Even though she didn’t score, Rodman’s energy ensured the U.S. maintained control deep into stoppage time, embodying the resilience that Hayes has been trying to instill in her squad.