Tiffeny Milbrett made up for a open-goal miss with a unexpected 90th-minute goal and Briana Scurry came up big on several occasions as the U.S. women's national team played Brazil to a 0-0 tie Sunday before 15,074 in New Orleans.

Milbrett's first-time blast from the top of the box to the lower-right corner settled a spirited, sometimes rough encounter that was dampened by a knee injury sustained by Pretinha, one of three WUSA players in Brazil's lineup.

The game was the Americans' final preparatory match before Coach April Heinrichs announces her roster — expected in about a month — for the Sept. 20-Oct. 12 Women's World Cup. Brazil, also preparing for the tournament, plays matches against Canada July 17 in Montreal and July 20 in Ottawa.

The postage-stamp dimensions of the field at Tad Gormley Stadium — only 62 yards wide — defined Sunday's match, in which space was at a premium and both teams struggled to create. The United States had more of the play, especially in the second half, but Brazil's chances were far more dangerous.

Scurry, notching her 61st shutout for the U.S. squad, was superb in denying the Brazilians, making a foot save on Katia in the 40th minute and stopping Marta in the 52nd to keep the score level.

Marta's miss was one of three opportunities the Brazilians had on the sequence. Defender Joy Fawcett cut off Maicon's ball into the goalmouth, but Kristine Lilly's clearance was poor, feeding Marta on the right flank.

Marta, using her left foot exclusively, nudged past defender Catherine Reddick and squirted a low shot at Scurry, who went down to stop the ball but couldn't hold on. Cristiane, who came on for Pretinha, sent the rebound far over the crossbar.

Milbrett's eighth goal against Brazil came suddenly and unexpectedly. Scurry sent a long punt into Brazil territory, and Milbrett headed the bouncing ball into the Brazilian box. Daniela, who plays for the San Diego Spirit, knocked the ball out, and Abby Wambach headed it back in. The ball went off Tatiana, and Milbrett — standing on the 18-yard line — swatted it with her left foot to provide the victory.

Milbrett fired wildly on an open net in the 81st minute, after Wambach's flick of Scurry's long ball left her 1-on-1 with Brazil keeper Andreia. Milbrett went left, past Andreia — who tried to knock Milbrett off her stide — then took an off-balance shot although she had time to set up her shot.

Pretinha, one of two San Jose CyberRays forwards in Brazil's lineup — Katia was the other — suffered a knee injury in the 26th minute. Her right knee crumpled as she challenged Kate Sobrero, and she was in anguish after falling to the turf. There was no report on the extent of her injury.

Defender Christie Pearce became the 15th U.S. women's player to make 100 international appearances. She received a Rolex watch from U.S. Soccer President Robert Contiguglia before the match and served as U.S. captain.

The Americans' final two World Cup preps are Sept. 1 against Costa Rica in Carson, Calif., and Sept. 7 against Mexico in San Jose.

SUNDAY'S SUMMARY

July 13 at New Orleans

United States 1 Brazil 0. Goal: Milbrett 90.

United States — Scurry; Sobrero (Slaton, 46), Fawcett, Reddick, Pearce; Roberts (Hucles, 46), Foudy (Tarpley, 72), Lilly, Wagner (Wambach, 66); Parlow (Milbrett, 57), Hamm.

Brazil — Andreia; Daniela, Juliana, Tania, Tatiana; Formiga (Rafaela, 80), Renata, Marta, Maicon (Michelle, 77); Katia, Pretinha (Cristiane, 30).

Yellow card — Brazil: Renata 62, Marta 71.

Referee — Sonia Denoncourt (Canada).

A — 15,074.