USA v Brazil I

Los Angeles

USMNT vs. Brazil | International Friendly

The midday heat settled over Camping World Stadium like a heavy blanket. Sunlight glinted off the stands, turning the sea of red, white, and blue into a living canvas. Opposite them, Brazil's yellow-and-green army roared in support of their stars. The pitch lay pristine, and the tension crackled in the air as the whistle blew to start the first half.

The first 10 minutes was pure fire.

0'–10' | Brazil's Early Onslaught

From the first touch, Brazil asserted their dominance. Vinícius Júnior accelerated into space down the left flank, testing Sergiño Dest's positioning. A clever feint sent Dest sliding, and Vini's low cross forced Zack Steffen into a sprawling save.

On the right, Rodrygo combined with Bruno Guimarães, slipping past Tim Ream before rifling a shot that clattered off the base of the post. Robinson, tasked with containing Brazil's pace, struggled to keep up, but he battled gamely.

Commentator (ESPN):

"Brazil are showing why they're National Football royalty—fluid, rapid, full of verve. The US backline is under early pressure."

The USA couldn't be passive that much.

12'–20' | The US Strikes Back

Yet the Americans refused to cower. Tyler Adams intercepted a near-post pass in midfield and released Weston McKennie down the right channel. McKennie drove into the box, held off midfield pressure, and squared a low ball that skipped just past Christian Pulisic.

Moments later, Gio Reyna attempted a trademark through ball between the center backs—Murillo and Éder Militão. The pass drifted too far ahead, and Murillo cleared easily.

Commentator (FOX Sports):

"That's a poor ball from Reyna—lack of precision. Kai Alexander would've executed that with ice in his veins."

Thus far, Reyna's miscue felt magnified, a reminder that the young US midfield was still finding its footing. From the bench, Kai watched every movement, every gap Brazil left. He took mental notes of Murillo's positioning, Militão's tendency to drift right, and Vini's preference for cutting inside.

22'–30' | Tactical Battle

Brazil continued to press. A sweeping move involving Bruno and Lucas Paquetá culminated in a dipping shot from outside the box—Steffen tipped it over.

The US countered methodically. Adams, McKennie, and Reyna interchanged passes to draw Brazil's midfield out of shape. Pulisic, dropping deep, received a probing pass and turned two defenders—only to be halted by a late, but fair, foul from Renan Lodi.

Commentator (NBC):

"Pulisic's touch is world-class—he beats two men there. The US need to find a way to spring him more often."

Madison's POV:

In the stands, Madison Morgan chewed her lip, eyes flicking between the field and her watch. She had managed to secure last-minute tickets—thanks to Sarah's connections—and was perched in the lower bowl, phone ready to record.

She watched Pulisic's jinking run and dared to hope. He'll come on, she thought. Kai will come on. Every time Reyna overhit a pass, she sighed. That should be Kai. She took a sip of iced tea, heart racing with anticipation.

31'–40' | Tightening the Screws

Brazil's star power threatened anew. Vini sprinted onto a long diagonal pass, cut inside, and pulled back for Endrick, whose volley flashed wide. Moments later, they nearly scored from a corner, but Walker Zimmerman and Steffen combined to clear the ball off the line.

Still, the US kept brewing chances. In the 36th minute, McKennie collected a loose ball at midfield, surged forward, and laid off to Reyna. This time, the No. 10 slid a perfect ground pass to Pulisic—only for Alisson to pounce, smothering the effort.

Commentator (ESPN):

"Great build-up. The US are more than happy to mix it up here—taking the game to Brazil instead of sitting back."

42'–45' +2' | The Moment of Relief

As the sun dipped slightly, the stadium temperature seemed to drop. The US sensed an opening. From a Brazilian corner, a perfectly excecuted counter attack, the US surged forward:

McKennie jogged onto the edge of the area, eyes on the clearance. Zac Steffen launched a quick goal kick to Gio Reyna, who flicked it forward. Pulisic chested it down, spun past Bruno, and fed Robinson on the right.

Robinson's delicate backheel split two defenders, guiding the ball to McKennie's path.

Without breaking stride, McKennie laid a perfect pass to Pulisic arriving at the top of the box. Pulisic unleashed a thunderous strike—like a cannon blast—that flew past Alisson's flailing gloves.

GOAL: 1–0 USA!

The stadium erupted into delirium. Fans leapt to their feet, screaming, hugging, tears and laughter meshed into ecstasy.

Commentator (FOX Sports):

"What a counter! Christian Pulisic with a rocket—Weston McKennie's assist was pure genius. That square ball will be on highlight reels for years!"

Even Kai, from the bench warm-up zone, cupped his face in awe. McKennie, long known for his engine and work rate, had just revealed an unexpected technical flourish. Pulisic wheeled away in celebration, sliding on his knees toward the corner flag, white stars on red, arms outstretched.

Madison burst into cheers, waving her arms with abandon. She recorded the replay on her phone, voice shaking as she posted a story on her Instagram: "That's how you do it—1-0!"

45' + 3' – The referee's whistle blew. The first half ended with the US leading 1–0 against the footballing giants.

Halftime

As players trudged off, sweat-slick and smiling, the buzz of social media roared back to life:

@USMNT: "GOAL! @cpulisic10 with a thunderbolt! #USAvBRA"

@C.Dempsey08: "That was for the city. Let's finish this!"

@Alex_Morgan: "Unreal assist. GO USA!"

Commentary board updates flashed:

SportsCenter: "#USMNT stun Brazil in Los Angeles—1–0 at halftime!"

BleacherReport: "Pulisic's cannon seals the deal—McKennie man-of-the-match for the first half no doubt."

FourFourTwo: "Is this the birth of the American golden generation shining bright."

In Lisbon, Daniela also posted a story: "Nice from the @USMNT, hope to see the star boy second half."

Madison grinned up at the half-empty stands behind her. The second half promised fireworks. Brazil would come out roaring. Defenses would be tested. And somewhere on the bench, Kai Alexander waited—hungry for his moment.