The Matildas showed resilience in their second SheBelieves Cup match despite suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to the United States, following a disastrous opening to the game.
The match in Glendale started in the worst possible way for the Australian side, as they conceded a goal within the first minute. With just 42 seconds on the clock, USA winger Emma Sears broke down the flank, leaving Ellie Carpenter scrambling to keep up. After twisting past her defender, she slipped a pass through to Jaedyn Shaw, who set up Lynn Biyendolo for a simple tap-in. It was a nightmare start for Australia, sparking fears of another heavy loss following their 4-0 defeat to Japan in their opening fixture.
Despite the early setback, the Matildas did not crumble. A restructured defense, featuring Charlotte Grant in place of Clare Hunt and captain Steph Catley moving to center-back, was put under immediate pressure as the USA looked to double their lead. Biyendolo appeared to have struck again moments later after capitalizing on a spilled save from Teagan Micah, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Even with the USA fielding a rotated squad, their intensity remained high. Their passing was crisp, movement fluid, and pressing relentless, making it difficult for Australia to settle into the game. The Matildas struggled in the opening stages, often unable to get their heads up before being surrounded by white shirts. However, instead of collapsing as they had against Japan, they slowly found their footing, tightening their defensive shape and cutting off the USA’s attacking avenues.
As the first half progressed, Australia began to create chances. Having mustered just one shot in their previous match, they looked more comfortable going forward, with Caitlin Foord leading the charge on the left wing. She frequently cut inside to link up with Holly McNamara and the overlapping Grant, who delivered dangerous crosses into the penalty area. On the right, Carpenter grew into the game, combining well with Hayley Raso to send low deliveries into the box that tested the USA’s defense.
In midfield, Winonah Heatley impressed after shaking off an early ankle issue, forming a solid pairing with Kyra Cooney-Cross. Their efforts provided a stronger foundation for Australia’s attacking players, allowing the team to finish the half with three times as many shots as they had managed in their opening game.
The second half continued with the same intensity. McNamara almost capitalized on a goalkeeping mistake by Mandy McGlynn but struggled to make a significant impact before being substituted for Michelle Heyman just after the hour mark. Alana Murphy also made her senior international debut, coming on for the ineffective Mary Fowler.
Despite Australia’s renewed energy, the USA extended their lead in the 67th minute. Claire Hutton’s perfectly weighted through ball split the Matildas’ defense, finding substitute Michelle Cooper, who slotted the ball under Micah to make it 2-0.
The Matildas kept pushing and found a way back into the match in the 80th minute. Raso’s curling cross into the box was met by Heyman, who powered a header past McGlynn to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The goal gave Australia late hope, with Micah producing two crucial fingertip saves at the other end to keep the match within reach.
In stoppage time, Murphy had two opportunities from free kicks, but the USA’s defense held firm, preventing the Matildas from finding an equalizer. The final whistle confirmed another defeat, but Australia’s improved performance provided encouragement after their humbling loss to Japan.
While the result leaves the Matildas still searching for their first SheBelieves Cup victory, their response to adversity in this match showed progress. The team will now look to build on this performance as they prepare for their next challenge.
