This Time Around

Forget about what happened the last time the US WNT met up with Brazil. Yesterday, on the second match day for Group B in the Peace Queen Cup, both teams used different lineups and different approaches to the game. It was scrappy and hard-fought, but this time the Americans held on to a late first-half goal for an important win. Now we're sitting pretty with six points, only needing a win or a tie against Italy on June 19th to advance to the championship game.

One major difference was the play of Angela Hucles. Angela earned Sierra Mist Woman of the Match honors when she came on in the 13th minute to replace center midfielder Carli Lloyd, who broke her nose while going up for a header. Coach Pia Sundhage said it was the best she's ever seen Angela play. To us, it sounds like a lot of her success can be attributed to the right attitude.

"I just wanted to go in there and bring energy when I came off the bench," said Hucles. "Just try to keep possession and get a hold of the game. Brazil is obviously a great team, but we have to realize that we are also a great team and go out there with confidence."

Never backing down is next level.