WATCH: CommBank Matildas defeated 2-1 by World No.1 USA
The CommBank Matildas have been defeated by world no.1 USA 2-1 in a much improved performance in the second match of the SheBelieves Cup.
Lynn Biyendolo and Michelle Cooper scored for the USA, before Michelle Heyman pulled one back for Australia late in the second half.
There were four changes to the Australian side that took on Japan in the first match. Teagan Micah replaced Mackenzie Arnold in goal, while Holly McNamara, Wini Heatley and Charli Grant started in place of Tameka Yallop, Katrina Gorry and Clare Hunt.
The changes meant that Steph Catley slid across to centre-back while Grant took up the left-back position. Winonah Heatley started as a defensive midfielder while Holly McNamara – in her first start in 1122 days for the CommBank Matildas – lined up as the centre forward.
The game also saw two national team debuts, with 19-year-old Alana Murphy becoming CommBank Matilda #235 and 23-year-old Laini Freier becoming CommBank Matilda #236 in the second half.
The United States started quickly in front of their home fans. Lynn Biyendolo scored within the first minute, a flowing move down USA’s left-hand side finding the former Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory forward in front of goal. The experienced striker would make no mistake from there.
Australia had a scare seven minutes later when Biyendolo put the ball in the back of the net a second time, but it was ruled out for offside.
The CommBank Matildas grew into the game as it went on. While the USA had more possession, Australia created plenty of opportunities of their own.
Kyra Cooney-Cross was particularly fantastic in midfield with her ability to control the ball and her vision to find long passes.
Chances in the first half included Hayley Raso getting on the end of a corner, and Caitlin Foord bringing down a long ball and getting a shot away. Unfortunately, neither strike was able to find the target.
It meant that the score was 1-0 at half-time but with the CommBank Matildas well and truly in the game.
Holly McNamara came extremely close to netting a fairytale goal in the 50th minute when she caught out Mandy McGlynn in front of the United States net. However, the USA were able to scramble the ball away and prevent the equaliser.
Alana Murphy became CommBank Matilda #235 when she was substituted on in the 64th minute. Michelle Heyman came on in the same substitution window, while Mary Fowler and Holly McNamara were withdrawn.
The USA doubled their lead minutes later. A world-class pass from Claire Hutton found its way to the feet of Michelle Cooper, who scored her first international goal.
Another substitution window followed with Emily van Egmond and Kaitlyn Torpey entering play, replacing Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord. The changes meant that Winonah Heatley dropped back into the centre of defence.
Australia would not give up and continued to create chances in transition. Their efforts would come to fruition in the 80th minute.
Hayley Raso found the ball at her feet after a quick counter-attack. Her cross was pinpoint and found Michelle Heyman in the penalty area. The experienced centre-forward made no mistake and headed the ball home for her 29th international goal.
There was another special moment just after the goal when Laini Freier came on for her first senior international appearance. It means that she and sister Sharn – injured for this international window – become the first-ever twins to represent the CommBank Matildas.
Natasha Prior was also introduced in that same substitution window. Freier and Prior replaced Alanna Kennedy and Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Australia pushed for the equaliser in the last few minutes of regulation time, but they also had work to do in their defensive third. Teagan Micah was forced into fantastic consecutive saves in the 88th minute – firstly to deny a goal on the counter, and then a point-blank save from the resulting corner.
A series of set pieces deep in stoppage time gave Australia some hope, but they would not be able to score the second goal that they needed.
Attention now turns to the third and final match of the SheBelieves Cup against Colombia on Thursday morning (AEDT).
MATCH DETAILS
United States 2 (Biyendolo 1’, Cooper 68’)
CommBank Matildas 1 (Heyman 80’)
Date: Sunday, 23 February 2025 (local) / Monday, 24 February (AEDT)
Kick-off: 3.05pm MST (local) / 9.05am (AEDT)
Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale (AZ)
Broadcast: Paramount+
Australia Line Up: 12. Teagan MICAH (gk), 3. Winonah HEATLEY, 7. Steph CATLEY (c) (10. Emily van EGMOND 74’), 9. Caitlin FOORD (8. Kaitlyn TORPEY 74’), 11. Mary FOWLER (6. Alana MURPHY 64’), 14. Alanna KENNEDY (5. Natasha PRIOR 81’), 16. Hayley RASO, 17. Holly MCNAMARA (2. Michelle HEYMAN 64’), 21. Ellie CARPENTER, 22. Charli GRANT, 23. Kyra COONEY-CROSS (20. Laini FREIER 81’)
Subs not used: 1. Mackenzie ARNOLD (gk), 4. Clare HUNT, 13. Tameka YALLOP, 15. Daniela GALIC, 18. Chloe LINCOLN (gk), 19. Katrina GORRY
Yellow card: Grant 73’
Red card: Nil
CommBank Matildas v Colombia
Date: Wednesday, 26 February 2025 (local) / Thursday, 27 February (AEDT)
Kick-off: 4.37pm PST (local) / 11.37am (AEDT)
Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego (CA)
Broadcast: Paramount+
Tickets: ussoccer.com/shebelieves/cup