In February of 2023, the U.S. Women’s National Team won the 2023 SheBelieves Cup with a 2-1 victory over Brazil on February 22. It was the USWNT’s fourth SheBelieves Cup title in a row and sixth overall.
The high-octane affair featured stellar goals by Alex Morgan and Mallory Swanson and a stout defensive effort the Americans, earning nomination for the U.S. Soccer Game of the Year, presented by Bud Light.
Nominees are selected by U.S. Soccer’s staff and fans have the opportunity to vote to select the Game Of The Year, presented by Bud Light as well as player of the year for the national teams. Voting closes on Dec. 18 at 11:59 a.m. ET. The winners for all awards will be announced in January.
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But before voting, let’s look back at the USWNT’s title clinching win in Frisco, Texas.
It was a competitive match from the opening whistle, with each team getting early chances.
Crystal Dunn had a dangerous shot on goal from the top of the box in the fourth minute, but a Brazil defender deflected the shot which then hit the right post.
Brazil’s Debinha forced USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher to make a save minutes later.
READ MORE: 2023 Player of the Year Nominees
Alex Morgan had a goal waved off for offside minutes before the end of the first half that would’ve given the USWNT the lead. But the Americans would not be denied and in first-half Morgan found the back of the net with a brilliant curling attempt to give the USWNT a 1-0 lead at the break.
That goal was Morgan’s 14th goal as a mom, breaking a tie with Joy Fawcett for the most goals as a mom in USWNT history. Morgan would win the Bud Light Woman Of The Match award.
The goal continued an incredible run of form for Swanson, who was named the Visa SheBelieves Cup MVP after leading the tournament in scoring with four goals. Swanson tallied twice in the USA’s opening victory over Canada, scored the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Japan and scored what proved to be the decisive goal in the finale against Brazil, becoming the first player ever to score in every game of a SheBelieves Cup. She also became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with eight goals in the competition.
In the final minute of regulation, Brazil’s scored a goal to narrow the lead to 2-1. A cross from Bruninha found Ludmila at the back post, who headed it in goal. The goal would prove to be just one of three conceded by the Americans all year.
The USWNT would hold on to win and raise the cup.