In a significant and emotional evening at Subaru Park, the United States women’s national soccer team faced a surprising 2-1 defeat against Portugal, marking the first time Portugal has ever beaten the Americans on the international stage. The match, held on Thursday, was also a poignant farewell to two-time World Cup champion Alex Morgan, who was honored in a star-studded ceremony before the game.
The U.S. women’s team had not played since July, returning after a lengthy 113-day break, which was evident in their performance. Despite starting the game with a burst of energy, the Americans struggled to find cohesion on the field. US coach Emma Hayes candidly acknowledged the challenges posed by the long hiatus, stating that her team “just hadn’t played together for a long time” and that she “didn’t recognize us.” This lack of rhythm was a critical factor in the outcome of the match.
The game kicked off dramatically with Rose Lavelle scoring a goal within the first 33 seconds, electrifying the crowd of over 17,000 fans. The early strike gave hope to the Americans, who had just celebrated Morgan’s illustrious career moments before kickoff. Lavelle’s goal was a reminder of the team’s potential and was greeted enthusiastically by spectators, including retired NFL star Jason Kelce, who was in attendance. However, despite this promising start, the U.S. team became passive, a mistake that Portugal capitalized on.
Portugal responded with determination and resilience. Diana Gomes delivered a crucial equalizer in the first half with a powerful header past US goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. This goal was historic, as it was Portugal’s first-ever scored against the United States in their 12 previous encounters, in which they had been outscored 40-0. The match remained tightly contested, but Portugal managed to take the lead late in the second half when Fatima Pinto scored her fifth international goal. Pinto’s goal, a well-placed shot from the top of the box through traffic, secured Portugal’s landmark victory.
The upset was a wake-up call for the U.S. team. Midfielder Sam Coffey reflected on the loss, emphasizing the team’s need to maintain a winning standard regardless of circumstances such as time apart or player experience. “There is a standard of winning, and it kind of exceeds all those things,” she said. With World Cup qualifications on the horizon, the U.S. team faces critical upcoming matches, including a rematch against Portugal and a game against New Zealand. These fixtures will provide valuable opportunities to regain form and cohesion.
The evening was also a celebration of Alex Morgan’s remarkable career. The stadium was transformed to honor the 36-year-old forward, who retired from professional soccer last year after becoming pregnant with her second child. Morgan’s legacy was highlighted through various tributes around Subaru Park. Stand-up cutouts showcasing her greatest moments, including her four-goal performance in the U-20 Women’s World Cup, lined the stadium entrance. Fans, especially young girls, participated in Morgan-themed activities such as a pre-wrap hair station and proudly sported T-shirts and banners bearing her name. The atmosphere was filled with admiration and respect as supporters paid tribute to one of the sport’s most recognizable figures.
Morgan’s impact on women’s soccer extends beyond her on-field accomplishments. Having played 224 matches for the U.S. national team, she scored 123 goals and provided 53 assists. She was a key player in the team’s World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019 and secured an Olympic gold medal in 2012. Recognized twice as the U.S. Soccer Player of the Year, in 2012 and 2018, Morgan also had a prolific club career with 150 appearances in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), playing for teams like the Portland Thorns and Orlando Pride. Recently, she returned to the sport in a new role as a minority stakeholder with the San Diego Wave, indicating her ongoing commitment to advancing women’s soccer.
Several notable figures from the soccer world joined in honoring Morgan. Former teammates and stars such as Abby Wambach, Kelley O’Hara, and Megan Rapinoe were present to celebrate her contributions. American forward Trinity Rodman also attended but did not play due to recovery from a knee injury. Rodman’s presence underscored the passing of the torch to the next generation of U.S. women’s soccer talent