USA draws with Brazil in front of 60,000 at Camping World Stadium

  • USA Gio Reyna tries to dribble past Brazilian defender Wendell in Wednesday's friendly match at Camping World Stadium. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA
    USA Gio Reyna tries to dribble past Brazilian defender Wendell in Wednesday's friendly match at Camping World Stadium. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA
  • USA Matt Turner's play in Wednesday's raucous friendly against Brazil -- here making one of his 11 saves -- earned him Match of the Match honors. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA
    USA Matt Turner's play in Wednesday's raucous friendly against Brazil -- here making one of his 11 saves -- earned him Match of the Match honors. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA
  • The United States, off the draw with Brazil, enters play in the Copa America tournament June 23. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA
    The United States, off the draw with Brazil, enters play in the Copa America tournament June 23. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA
  • The United States, off the draw with Brazil, enters play in the Copa America tournament June 23. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA
    The United States, off the draw with Brazil, enters play in the Copa America tournament June 23. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA
  • The United States, off the draw with Brazil, enters play in the Copa America tournament June 23. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA
    The United States, off the draw with Brazil, enters play in the Copa America tournament June 23. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA
  • The crowd was nearly 50-50 supporting USA and Brazil at Camping World Stadium Wednesday. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA
    The crowd was nearly 50-50 supporting USA and Brazil at Camping World Stadium Wednesday. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA

    By Mario Casamalhuapa 
    For the News-Gazette

    Excitement filled the air as Brazil and the USA national teams faced off in a thrilling soccer friendly at Camping World Stadium in front of 60,016 fans. The stadium was electrifying as the U.S. made a strong comeback to tie 1-1 against a star-studded Brazilian team.

    The first goal was scored by Real Madrid star Rodrygo in the 17th minute. Less than 10 minutes later, USA captain and AC Milan standout Christian Pulisic equalized with a stunning free kick to the left corner.

    Experts doubted the U.S. team's chances, however, the USA's resilient performance silenced critics of UISNMT Coach Greg Berhalter and provided a much-needed boost after a disappointing 5-1 loss to Colombia.

    Brazil showcased its talent, with Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. playing the entire match. The crowd erupted when Brazil's newest sensation, 17-year-old Endrick, was brought on in the 63rd minute after chants from the Brazilian supporters.

    The standout performer of the match was USA goalkeeper Matt Turner. He was instrumental in keeping Brazil at bay with an impressive 11 saves, earning him the MVP of the game.

    The match was exhilarating and well worth watching. Both teams fielded their stars and played with determination, making this "friendly" feel like a high-stakes Copa América preview.

    The USMNT, who wore kits Wednesday that honored the 49 victims of the Pulse shooting, which was eight years ago to the day on Wednesday, will now focus on that "Americas" tournament, which starts June 20. This will be the Americans' fifth appearance in the prestigious tournament.

    They will begin their Group C campaign against Bolivia on June 23 in Arlington, Texas, followed by a match against Panama on June 27 in Atlanta, and concluding with a clash against Uruguay on June 31 in Kansas City.