Watch: Megan Rapinoe Celebrated Mallory Swanson’s Crucial Goal Against Brazil Before It Actually Went In

USWNT won the SheBelieves Cup for a record sixth time in history. A goal each from star forwards Alex Morgan and Mallory Swanson was enough for the US team to win its fourth consecutive SheBelieves Cup. The goal from Swanson in the 63rd minute proved to be the winner, and a video surfaced on social media showing how confident teammate Megan Rapinoe was on that finish.

Morgan opened the scoring with a world-class strike in the third minute of added time at the end of the first half. Swanson added a second in the 63rd minute of the game, giving a comfortable lead for the USWNT. Meanwhile, Brazil scared USWNT in the dying moments by scoring in the 90th minute.

The world champions held on to the lead to win the third game and lift the trophy. But what caught the eye of many was the celebration from Rapinoe before Swanson scored.

Megan Rapinoe celebrates a goal before her teammate scored

Megan Rapinoe was on the bench again for the USWNT in the third consecutive game of the SheBelieves Cup. She made it to the roster after returning from the injury. Rapinoe played no part in the first game but came on as a substitute in a win over Japan in the 70th minute. 

In the last game of the tournament, Rapinoe was warming up near Brazils’ goal around the 63rd minute to come on as a substitute again. It was when the team attack started, and Rose Lavelle played in Swanson, who scored from inside the box. However, the video that surfaced on social media shows the moment the forward got the ball, Rapinoe started the celebration. 

It was the confidence that the legend had in the young forward. After celebrating with on-field teammates, Swanson ran toward Rapinoe and celebrated with her. The goal took the tally of the forward to four in the current tournament and to eight overall. Swanson is now the all-time top scorer in the SheBelieves Cup and won this year’s MVP of the tournament.

Mallory Swanson praises Rapinoe after the game

Swanson was answering questions after the game, and a reporter told her Rapinoe celebrated even before she scored. The 24-year-old forward replied, “I didn’t know that. She was like, ‘We need better celebrations.’ And I agree, I’m not the best when I celebrate. I value what she sees.”  

READ MORE: “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop”- Fans on Cloud Nine as USWNT Wins SheBelieves Cup for the 6th Time

The forward went on to praise Rapinoe. She revealed how the legendary forward helps her in improving the game. The relationship between the two is great, and Swanson thinks getting a piece of advice from a world-class player always helps. Swanson had a good outing for USWNT in the SheBelieves Cup and will hope to continue the goal-scoring form in the NWSL to make it to the World Cup roster.

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 What do you think of the premature celebrations by Megan Rapinoe even before Swanson scored the goal?