Despite a late rally, the U.S. women’s national team fell to Brazil 1-0 in Sao Paulo on Dec. 13. It was the Brazilians’ first victory over the USA in eight games dating back to 1986. The Brazilians put on a superb display of one-touch passing and dribbling, and out shot the U.S. 10-3 in the first half, including four shots in the first seven minutes. Brazil’s dangerous forward, Roseli, scored the only goal of the match in the 20th minute, when she ran onto a long pass from Nene and volleyed the bouncing ball past U.S. keeper Tracy Ducar from 15 yards out. U.S. coach Tony DiCicco began pulling his tired starters early in the second half, when Kristi DeVert and Thori Staples replaced Mia Hamm and Tiffeny Milbrett. Outside midfielders Shannon MacMillan and Kristine Lilly moved to the forward positions and sparked the U.S., which took 12 second-half shots. Unfortunately, unlike in their 2-1 win on Dec. 11, the Americans were unable to rally. The U.S. had five excellent chances in the final ten minutes. Sweeper Carla Overbeck got behind the defense from a wall-pass, but shot directly at the Brazilian keeper Maravilha. Two corner kicks provided close calls, as Amanda Cromwell’s header was saved and Brandi Chastain’s header went just over the bar. Danielle Fotopoulos had a pair of chances in the final 3 minutes, but both rolled just wide. “Today, Brazil defeated the United States for the first time ever,” said DiCicco. “Now, they know it can be done, and that’s dangerous for the future.” Notes: The game marked the first time the U.S. has been shut out since a 0-0 tie with China at the 1996 Olympics…. U.S. defender Joy Fawcett did not play in either game after suffering a pulled right calf muscle in training…. This was the final game of 1997 for the U.S., which finished the year with a 16-2-0 record, falling only to Brazil and Germany. Dec. 13 in Sao Paulo Brazil 1 USA 0. Goal: Roseli 20. Brazil — Maravilha, Elsi, Andrela, Tania, Nene (Marisa, 86), Formiga, Pretinha (Juliana, 81), Cidinha, Katia, Sissi (Valeria, 77), Roseli. USA — Ducar (Mead, 53), Overbeck, Chastain, Pearce, Whalen (Fotopoulos, 78), Foudy (Cromwell, 68), Venturini (Keller, 74), Lilly, MacMillan, Milbrett (Staples, 57), Hamm (DeVert, 57). Yellow cards: Brazil — Formiga 34; USA — Hamm 40, Chastain 60. Att.: 3,000.