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Last night at CenturyLink Field, a stadium known for its deafening crowd noise at Seattle Seahawks games, nearly 24,000 fans came out to support the US Women's National Team. In the Victory Tour's latest match, the USWNT faced off against a dynamic Brazilian team eager to spoil the party for the World Cup Champs. And they nearly did
Led by star attacker Marta Shimmead, Brazil scored the opening goal less than 4 minutes in. Brazil carried their 1-0 lead for much of the match.
Here enters the greatness that is Carli Lloyd. It simply would not be a US match without featuring a highlight reel moment from the former Rutgers star. Lloyd has scored 15 goals in her last 9 games, an unprecedented display of brilliance that has her in the category of some of the most prolific international competition performances.
With less than six minutes left in the match, the USWNT drove the ball down the field, looking for the equalizer. Meghan Klingenberg set up Lloyd beautifully from the right side of the field, crossing the ball between defenders and allowing Lloyd to smash the ball off the underside of the top bar and into the net.
GOALLLLL. @CarliLloyd ties the game in the 85th minute. Nice play by Kling the right side for the assist. #USAvBRA, 1-1
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) October 22, 2015
The game would finished tied 1-1, as the USWNT was able to remain unbeaten on US soil in their last 101 matches, a remarkable streak dating back to 2004.
Lloyd, who was recently named Sportswomen of the Year alongside Serena Williams, now has 17 goals in 2015. However, at the end of the match, she was quick to turn the attention away from herself and towards a staple of the team for the last 195 games. Fellow midfielder Shannon Boxx, who Lloyd credits for being a crucial mentor in her development, announced the Brazilian friendly would be her final match, as she would be retiring to start her family. Fittingly, Boxx got her final playing minutes before subbing out for Lloyd, as the two embraced and the Seattle crowd gave the retiring veteran a roaring applause.
Can't say enough about you @ShannonBoxx7. You are a legend. Been an honor to play with you. #ThanksBoxxy pic.twitter.com/j9HjWk8SJq
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) October 22, 2015
Been an absolute pleasure 2b able 2 play along side of u @ShannonBoxx7 n even better 2 call u my friend. #willmissu pic.twitter.com/jGRKtvIJPw
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) October 21, 2015
The US and Brazil will face off again on Sunday in Orlando before the Americans take a break from their Victory Tour until December.
Thank you Seattle. You guys are the best!!!
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) October 22, 2015