USWNT Triumphs Over Australia in SheBelieves Cup, Setting Up Exciting Finale Against Japan
Feb 23, 2025, 08:25 PM ET
In a thrilling encounter at the SheBelieves Cup in Glendale, Arizona, the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) clinched a 2-1 victory over Australia. This win sets the stage for a highly anticipated final matchday clash with Japan.
The match kicked off with a bang, as Lynn Biyendolo capitalized on the hard work of Emma Sears and the setup by Jaedyn Shaw to score a tap-in just 42 seconds into the match. This early goal set the tone for the game, and the USWNT never really looked back.
Despite the loss, it was a much-improved performance from the Matildas, who had suffered a 4-0 defeat to Japan the previous week. However, the USWNT managed to keep the visitors at bay for most of the match.
Australia’s goalkeeper, Teagan Micah, was kept busy throughout the game but couldn’t prevent Michelle Cooper from scoring her debut goal in the 68th minute, putting the U.S. up 2-0. The goal came after a defense-splitting pass from Claire Hutton found Ally Sentnor, who stumbled while preparing to shoot, allowing Cooper to finish past Micah.
Australia managed to make the game interesting with a quick break, as a cross from Hayley Raso found the head of Michelle Heyman in the 80th minute. However, it wasn’t enough to change the final result.
Positive Signs for USWNT’s Next Generation
While one game doesn’t define a rebuild, Sunday’s win was another encouraging sign that Emma Hayes’ mission to usher in a new generation and create a squad with world-class depth is on track. Hayes has used the SheBelieves Cup to bridge the gap between established players and those on the periphery.
In the opening game against Colombia, players like Sentnor, Catarina Macario, and Lily Yohannes caught the eye. On Sunday, with a completely new starting XI, it was Sears, Shaw, and Hutton, along with Alyssa and Gisele Thompson, who impressed.
Shaw and Sears were electric in the first half, causing the Australian defense plenty of problems, especially in the buildup to the opening goal. The battle between Shaw and Ellie Carpenter was fascinating, with Shaw besting the Lyon star on several occasions.
The Thompson sisters continued to show their class, both individually and in combination, with neat passing and a few chances on goal. Hutton, in her starting debut, split the Australian defense for Cooper’s goal, marking an exemplary first game for the national team.
The Understated Class of Lynn Biyendolo
Biyendolo hasn’t always been a first-choice selection for the U.S., but she often makes her presence known when given the chance. This match was no exception. It seems almost cosmic that she scored so quickly against Australia, a country she has a close affinity with, not just through her Australian husband, Marley, but also through her two stints in the A-League Women.
Her time with the Western Sydney Wanderers in the 2019-20 season was significant, as the Wanderers made the finals for the first time in their history, with Biyendolo playing a huge part. A short guest stint with Melbourne Victory two seasons later saw her score three goals in four games, contributing to their back-to-back championships.
In Glendale, Australian fans were reminded of Biyendolo’s clinical nature. She’s smart, agile, and has the knack for positioning herself to cause defenders headaches. On another day, she could have had a hat trick, with a goal ruled out for offside and some excellent saves by Micah denying her. But one thing is certain: the 31-year-old is a natural goal scorer.
Don’t Ever Tune in Late to a U.S.-Australia Game
There’s something about games between the U.S. and Australia that makes them unmissable from the start. If you’re considering a pregame trip to the bathroom or concession stand, think again. Biyendolo’s goal was scored just 42 seconds into the match, a perfect start for the Americans with a touch of déjà vu.
The last USWNT player to score in the opening minute was Ashley Hatch against Australia in a 3-0 friendly victory in Sydney in 2021. Since 1999, the U.S. has scored in the first minute three times against Australia, with Danielle Fotopoulos rounding out the trio with a goal in 1999. The Americans haven’t scored more than one goal in the first minute against any other opponent in that time.
Micah the Shining Light in Improved Matildas Showing
The Matildas’ opening game of the SheBelieves Cup was disappointing, to say the least. A vastly experienced lineup had a chance to take on an Asian rival ahead of an Asian Cup on home soil in 2026, but they suffered a 4-0 defeat.
Against the U.S., there was marked improvement. Interim coach Tom Sermanni tested players like Winonah Heatley, Charlotte Grant, and Holly McNamara, who made her first start in 1,122 days, against one of the best teams in the world. The trio acquitted themselves admirably, particularly Heatley.
In goal, Micah made her case for the Matildas’ No. 1 spot with a series of stellar saves and a calm reassurance often lacking in the defensive line. After a lengthy concussion battle and other injuries, it was a just reward for Micah to not only get the start but remind everyone of her capabilities.
While the result wasn’t favorable for the Australians, there were clear improvements in performance, necessary after the team’s showing in Houston. Sermanni & Co. will hope for continued progress ahead of their clash with Colombia on Wednesday in San Diego as they navigate their coaching limbo.
Originally Written by: Marissa Lordanic
