USWNT’s Depth Shines in Victory Over Australia
Updated: Feb 23, 2025, 09:06 pm
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) showcased their impressive depth in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Australia in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday. This win positions the Americans favorably for a sixth consecutive SheBelieves Cup title. The match was a testament to the team’s versatility and strength, as they managed to secure the win despite making significant changes to their lineup.
In a bold move, the U.S. team replaced all 11 starters from their previous 2-0 victory against Colombia in the tournament opener on Thursday. This decision paid off almost immediately, as Lynn Biyendolo scored just 42 seconds into the match, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Michelle Cooper, who entered the match in the 62nd minute, made a significant impact by scoring her first U.S. goal in the 68th minute, doubling the lead to 2-0. Her goal came after Ally Sentnor lost her dribble in the box, but Cooper was perfectly positioned to capitalize on the opportunity. Reflecting on her goal, Cooper said, “It was absolutely surreal. I looked at [teammate Ally Sentnor] and I said, ‘I’m so sorry’ because I basically stole it from her. But she was like, ‘It’s OK, I’m happy for you.’ So it felt great.”
Australia’s Michelle Heyman added some drama to the match by scoring in the 80th minute, narrowing the gap to 2-1. Her goal came from the middle of the box off a cross by Hayley Raso, making the final minutes of the game tense for both teams.
The final match of this four-team tournament is set to take place in San Diego on Wednesday, where the U.S. will face Japan. Both teams have six points, but Japan holds the advantage with a superior goal difference. Japan’s goal difference stands at plus-7, while the Americans are at plus-3. This sets the stage for an exciting showdown as the U.S. aims to win the SheBelieves Cup for the eighth time in 10 years.
Key Moments and Player Performances
- Lynn Biyendolo’s early goal, her 22nd international goal, was a result of a well-executed cross by Jaedyn Shaw.
- Michelle Cooper’s debut goal for the U.S. was a highlight, showcasing her ability to seize opportunities.
- Goalkeeper Teagan Micah kept Australia in the game with a crucial save on Sentnor in the 88th minute.
Making 11 changes in a lineup is a rare occurrence, having happened only six times in 758 matches in USWNT history. The last time this happened was 25 years ago, highlighting the significance of this strategic decision. Mandy McGlynn was in goal for the United States, as coach Hayes continues to evaluate options for a top goalkeeper following Alyssa Naeher’s retirement last year.
Hayes has been experimenting with new players and lineups in preparation for Women’s World Cup qualification next year. Cooper expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I just want to get to know the players and build good connections and get to know the staff, to hopefully build a relationship and build their trust in me to be on this team.”
Another notable moment was the starting of sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson, marking the fourth time in U.S. history that sisters have started a match together. The previous instances involved Kristie and Samantha Mewis.
As the USWNT prepares for their final match against Japan, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team will perform. With both teams tied in points, the upcoming match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the SheBelieves Cup.
Originally Written by: ESPN
