Christian Pulisic scored and Matt Turner made 11 saves as the U.S. men’s national team rebounded for its first-ever draw against Brazil, 1-1 in Orlando on Wednesday in the final tune-up before Copa America.
Rodrygo scored in the 17th minute before Pulisic equalized in the 26th.
Allison made six saves for Brazil.
Brazil owns a 18-1-1 record vs. the U.S. with its only loss coming on Feb. 10, 1998. The Americans’ 12-match winless streak in the series is the squad’s current longest drought against any opponent.
Despite the draw, the result and the performance were both positive for the U.S. team after it was humbled 5-1 by Colombia on Saturday in Landover, Md.
The United States begins Copa America Group C play against Bolivia on June 23 in Arlington, Texas.
There were numerous chances in the second half beginning with Brazilian 17-year-old Endrick in the 70th minute testing Turner five minutes after entering the match. Weston McKennie led the counter and fed Pulisic for a left-footed shot that Allison deflected away with an extended left arm.
Turner was equally strong in the 74th minute, making a save with his left hand on an angled shot by Rodrygo.
Allison kept the match even with an outstanding point-blank stop of an attempt by Brenden Aaronson in 83rd minute.
A frenetic start led to Brazil’s gifted opening goal. A goal kick by Turner was intercepted by Raphinha, catching the U.S. out of position. Raphinha passed to Rodrygo on the left side of the box, and Turner got his left arm on Rodrygo’s shot but was unable to stop it.
It was a similar outcome to the numerous unforced errors against Colombia.
Pulisic responded with his 29th career international goal. He drew a free kick after being fouled a yard outside the penalty area by Joao Gomes. Pulisic ripped a low drive between the wall to the left corner of the net.
The U.S. showed its intent from the start when Yunus Musah rocketed a shot off the crossbar, the ball ricocheting off the back of Allison but somehow staying out of the goal.
That was quickly followed by Allison making saves on Pulisic and Timothy Weah that bracketed Rodrygo’s attempt — all in the first 12 minutes.
For the half, the U.S. had five shots on goal, Brazil four.
–Field Level Media
