USWNT’s Depth Shines in SheBelieves Cup Victory Over Australia
Updated: Feb 23, 2026, 07:31 pm
In a thrilling display of depth and talent, the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) showcased their prowess with a 2-1 victory over Australia in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday. This win positions the Americans favorably for a sixth consecutive SheBelieves Cup title, a testament to their enduring dominance in women’s soccer.
What made this victory particularly impressive was the strategic decision to replace all 11 starters from their previous 2-0 win against Colombia in the tournament opener on Thursday. Despite the complete lineup change, the U.S. team wasted no time asserting their dominance. Lynn Biyendolo, formerly known as Williams, scored a stunning goal just 42 seconds into the match, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Michelle Cooper, a rising star who made her debut against Colombia, further solidified the U.S. lead by scoring her first international goal in the 68th minute, just six minutes after entering the match. Her goal brought the score to 2-0, showcasing her knack for being in the right place at the right time. However, Australia wasn’t ready to concede defeat just yet. Michelle Heyman managed to narrow the gap with a goal in the 80th minute, making the final moments of the match tense and exciting.
The final showdown of this four-team tournament is set to take place in San Diego on Wednesday, where the U.S. will face Japan. Both teams currently have six points, but Japan holds the advantage with a superior goal difference. After a 4-0 win over Australia and a 4-1 victory against Colombia, Japan’s goal difference stands at plus-7, compared to the Americans’ plus-3. This sets the stage for a thrilling finale as the U.S. aims to clinch the SheBelieves Cup for the eighth time in 10 years.
The match against Australia began with a bang as Biyendolo charged toward the goal, converting a cross from Jaedyn Shaw for her 22nd international goal. The U.S. team’s ability to strike early and maintain pressure was a key factor in their success.
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Cooper’s goal was a result of quick thinking and positioning. After Ally Sentnor lost her dribble in the box, Cooper seized the opportunity to put the ball in the back of the net, doubling the U.S. lead. Meanwhile, Australia’s Heyman kept the game interesting with a well-placed shot from the middle of the box, assisted by Hayley Raso.
Teagan Micah, Australia’s goalkeeper, played a crucial role in keeping the match competitive, making a critical save on Sentnor in the 88th minute. Her efforts ensured that the Aussies remained within striking distance until the final whistle.
It’s worth noting that making 11 changes in a lineup is a rare occurrence in USWNT history, having happened only six times in 758 matches. This was the first time in 25 years that such a complete overhaul was executed, highlighting the depth and versatility of the U.S. squad.
Adding to the historical significance of the match, sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson started together, marking the fourth time in U.S. history that sisters have started a match together. The previous instances involved Kristie and Samantha Mewis, adding a familial touch to the team’s legacy.
Information from Reuters and The Associated Press was used in this story.
- USWNT’s depth and strategy were key to their victory.
- Japan holds the goal difference advantage heading into the final match.
- The Thompson sisters’ start adds a unique historical element to the game.
Originally Written by: ESPN
