By Amelia Hirtle
The USWNT traveled to Sydney’s Olympic Stadium, one of the main sites for Australia & New Zealand 2023 World Cup, to face the Australian women’s national team for one of two international friendly games.
The American side saw some new faces in the 23-player call-up. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski opted for a younger squad after working with his team to identify players that need to gain more experience and minutes ahead of World Cup qualifiers. Veteran players like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, among others, were not named to the squad in part because of their experience but maybe looked to in the early parts of next year, according to the head coach.
The most recent matchup between the teams occurred in the Tokyo Olympics in the bronze medal match. The US women beat Australia in a chaotic 4-3 win to secure the bronze medal.
The match started off with a goal from Ashley Hatch in the first 24 seconds. The Australian defense failed to clear the ball in their own half, which allowed Hatch to pounce on the ball. After the initial goal, Australia dominated possession. Australia attempted to take advantage of the US from their giveaways in the midfield and moved the ball quickly up the pitch.
Australia was able to get more accurate shots on goal, but keeper Casey Murphy made some big saves to keep the visiting team in front. In the 38th minute, Australia had the chance to equalize. Kyah Simon was unmarked inside the 6-yard box when the ball was played to her feet. With Murphy out of position, it would have been an open goal, but Simon sent it over the bar. That was Australia’s best chance on the day.
Momentum had been building for the home team going into the half. However, it was the US who came out and got the goal in the 49th minute from Rose Lavelle. Lindsay Horan also scored from the penalty spot in the 68th minute. The final score was 3-0 USA.
The win added to the tally of the rivalry. The US now has 28 wins, 1 loss, and 4 draws against Australia. Next, they will travel to Newcastle to play again on Tuesday, November 30th. It will be the last friendly for the USWNT of the calendar year.