USWNT-Portugal score: Samantha Mewis scores lone goal as USA extends unbeaten streak to 40 games

The win is the first for the USWNT during the Summer Series

The U.S. women's national team defeated Portugal, 1-0, on Thursday at BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas as U.S. midfielder Samantha Mewis recorded the only goal in the match. 

Coach Vlatko Andonovski made his first lineup moves against Portugal in the Summer Series, a competition crafted to mimic Olympic play, opting for a 4-3-3 that shifted more into a 4-1-4-1 against the Portuguese side.

The first half between the two teams was dominated in possession play from USWNT as they established tempo with their signature press, while Portugal tried to combat that in a low block. The organization appeared to work for the Portuguese side, as USWNT struggled to find the back of the net in the first half despite frequently spending time in their opponent's half.

A hydration break in the first half allowed both teams to slightly reset, though the adjustment also appeared to work in both teams' favor, with USWNT still active on the ball, and Portugal attempting to get into the U.S. half. However, both sides entered halftime scoreless with the USWNT holding a whopping 70 percent of the possession while Portuguese goalkeeper Inês Pereira faced five shots on target, including a big kick save on an attempt from U.S. forward Christen Press.

Second half shift

Both teams began the second half with no substitutions, as both coaches opted to let their respective starting lineups sort out their game plans.

The U.S. continued to spend time in dangerous spaces within the final third, trying to open the scoreline, but still struggled to finish on their chances. The breakthrough finally came in the 76th minute as Mewis connected on goal off a set-piece corner assisted by Christen Press.

The lone goal would be the deciding goal, as a quick free-kick tap-in from substitute Carli Lloyd was ultimately ruled offside. 

Look ahead

The win is the first for the USWNT during the Summer Series. The team will have two days rest and then face Jamaica on Sunday before closing out the competition on Wednesday.

[Jun 10, 2021 at 10:17 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

After a spending another lengthy period of time in Portugal's half, the U.S. finally break through on goal with a set piece corner goal from Sam Mewis.

[Jun 10, 2021 at 9:44 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

No changes to either side to start the second half, as USWNT get right back into action into Portugal's half once again.

[Jun 10, 2021 at 9:28 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Halftime with both sides entering the locker rooms scoreless. Big first half from Portuguese goal keeper Inês Pereira facing five shots on target.

[Jun 10, 2021 at 9:21 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Five minutes plus stoppage before halftime as both sides are still scoreless. USWNT dominating possession and other statistical areas but haven't found the opening goal yet. 

[Jun 11, 2021 at 1:11 am ET · Sandra Herrera]

Just past the half hour mark and Dunn goes 1 v 1 with Silva, a solid defensive stop for USWNT as the ball is out for a Portugal thrown in 

[Jun 10, 2021 at 9:04 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

25' Due to weather and heat, there are hydration breaks. First of the match taking place, wonder if USWNT will come out of the water break with an adjustment for Portugal's low block.

[Jun 10, 2021 at 9:03 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

24' USWNT make an interesting choice, play a corner short that goes all the way toward centerback Abby Dahlkemper. Mewis eventually is on the ball, but her cross sails out of play. 

[Jun 10, 2021 at 8:52 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

High energy from USWNT just ahead of the 15 minute mark. Active in Portugal's half and testing Inês Pereira in net, but not finding the back of the net.