The US Women’s National Team earned a draw with the People’s Republic of China in their first match at the 2014 International Tournament of Brasilia, when Carli Lloyd of the Houston Dash scored in the 21st minute.

The Seattle Reign, reigning NWSL Shield champions, had a few members of their squad representing the USA in this match, including star Megan Rapinoe who provided the assist on the USA’s lone goal. The goal came about after a slow opening 20 minutes, China comitted a foul and a quickly taken free-kick saw Rapinoe race down to the endline and cross a dangerous ball on the ground towards the box. Carli Lloyd was on the other end and tapped the ball in at close range for the opening goal.

The Chinese team scored the equalizer in the 67th minute, when a rocket of a shot (China’s first and only) eluded diving USA keeper Hope Solo.

The Seattle Reign players involved in the match were Hope Solo in goal, forward Sydney Leroux, and midfielder Megan Rapinoe. The USA and China women’s team were playing at Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia, a massive arena used 7 times during this past summers 2014 FIFA World Cup. It was a sparse crowd for the first match, and the USA had a difficult time breaking down the Chinese side who played a controlled, defensive style.

While in Brazil for this 4 team tournament that includes host nation Brazil, China and Argentina, the draw for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup was made. Next years World Cup will be held in Canada. The USA was drawn into Group D, alongside Australia, Sweden and Nigeria.

The USA are a favorite to lift the trophy, as they are currently #1 in FIFA’s World Rankings. The USA have won the Women’s World Cup twice, in 1991 and 1999, but have been one of the most successful sides in international soccer aside from the World Cup, winning 4 Olympic Golds in 1996, 2004, 2008 and 2012.

Clearly it’s not just men’s soccer in the Northwest that breeds success. Seattle hosts the MLS Supporter’s Shield Champions and NWSL Shield Champions, making it a pretty great place to be a fan of soccer, men’s or women’s.

The USA takes on host nation Brazil December 14th.