The USA’s Sydney Leroux celebrates after scoring against Brazil in a women’s international friendly on November 10, 2013, in Orlando, Florida. (Photo: Brad smith/isiphotos.com)
ORLANDO, Florida -- The United States defeated Brazil 4-1 on Sunday in a women’s international friendly before 20,274 spectators at the Florida Citrus Bowl to complete its 2013 schedule unbeaten with a 13-3-0 record.
Sydney Leroux tallied twice in the first-half, forward Abby Wambach increased her international scoring record to163 goals and midfielder Erika Tymrak netted her first goal in only her second game to lift the Americans to victory.
The host opened the scoring in the 15th minute, when Heather O’Reilly directed a left-sided cross from Stephanie Cox for Leroux to finish with an acrobatic left-footed volley.
Two minutes later, Wambach made it 2-0, converting her own penalty kick after being tripped up from behind by Andressa.
Brazil halved the deficit in the 25th minute through Rosana, who leaped high to skip a header past goalkeeper Hope Solo off a Rilany cross.
Leroux restored the two-goal lead in the 36th minute with a weaving run that ended with a stylish finish. Carli Lloyd fought off Gabi Zanotti and fed Wambach in the center of the field, where she redirected the ball to a darting Leroux on the left side. The Boston Breakers forward got past Rilany, powered into the penalty area and took a touch inside to elude the onrushing goalkeeper Thais. She slotted home for her 24th career goal.
Solo preserved the U.S. lead in second half, making two outstanding saves against second-half substitute Raquel. In the 55th minute, she fully extended her left arm to parry away an attempt. Seven minutes later, the 32-year-old netminder came off her line to stuff another effort.
Tymrak completed the scoreline in the 76th minute, firing in with a low drive from the edge of the box that snuck into the lower left corner of the goal.
The Americans have not lost at home in 77 consecutive games and will now shift their attention toward next year’s CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying tournament for Canada 2015.
