USMNT Draws with Brazil in Copa America Warm-Up

The United States men's national soccer team (USMNT) rebounded from their humiliating 5-1 defeat to Colombia with a morale-boosting 1-1 draw against Brazil in their final warm-up match before the Copa America.

Despite facing calls for his resignation after the Colombia debacle, USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter challenged his players to deliver an improved performance against the five-time World Cup winners. The team responded with a determined display, earning their first-ever draw against Brazil after 18 previous defeats.

US goalkeeper Matt Turner was the hero for the hosts, making several crucial saves to keep Brazil at bay. At the other end, Brazil keeper Alisson twice denied potential winning goals for the United States late in the game.

Christian Pulisic, the US captain, equalized for his team in the first half with a rasping free-kick after Brazil had taken the lead through Real Madrid striker Rodrygo.

In the second half, Brazil continued to threaten, but the US held firm and came close to snatching a victory. A counter-attack culminated with Weston McKennie finding Pulisic in space inside the area, but the US captain's shot was saved by Alisson.

"It's obviously a huge bounce-back performance for us from the other day," said Turner, referring to the Colombia rout. "I think what we did today can sort of put that to bed."

Turner believes the result bodes well for the USA's Copa America campaign, where they face Bolivia, Panama, and Uruguay in the first round.

"I think the huge positive from today is to take like a triumph from it," Turner said. "We really stared into the face of adversity and were able to bounce back a few days later."

"In tournament play, that's so, so important, because not every result, not every call is gonna go your way and you have to be able to put things behind you, move on, and put the next foot in front of the other."

Tags: #USMNT, #Brazil, #CopaAmerica, #ChristianPulisic, #MattTurner