A Lindsey Horan header in the final minute of regulation earned the U.S. Women’s National Team an important point at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, as the USA tied Australia 1-1 in front of a crowd of 21,570 on Sunday night.
The USA controlled most of the opening half, generating several chances, maintaining 64 percent of the possession and out-shooting Australia 9-5, but it was the Aussies who took advantage of a counterattack opportunity and tallied the opening goal of the game in the 22nd minute after a terrific run from Lisa De Vanna and smart finish from Chloe Logarzo.
In the second half, it was a similar story, with the USA having the edge in shots (18-8), possession, and corner kicks (10-2). The Yanks, however, finally broke through in the 90th minute of play with a Megan Rapinoe corner kick that Lindsey Horan finished the way she does best, with her head, for the game-tying final score.
In the first match of the day, after 75 minutes of battling on a hot day, Marta scored in the 76th minute and Beatriz tallied what would eventually be the game-winner with a 90th-minute strike as Brazil defeated Japan, 2-1, to open the slate on the second match day. The win kept Brazil in contention for the tournament title.
With the draw between the USA and Australia, both teams improve to 4 points each, and along with Brazil (3 points after today’s win), remain in contention for the tournament title, with only Japan eliminated after two consecutive losses.
The standings after two matches:
<strong>Team</strong> |
<strong>GP</strong> |
<strong>W</strong> |
<strong>L </strong> |
<strong>T</strong> |
<strong>GF</strong> |
<strong>GA</strong> |
<strong>GD</strong> |
<strong>Pts.</strong> |
<p>United States</p> |
<p>2</p> |
<p>1</p> |
<p>0</p> |
<p>1</p> |
<p>5</p> |
<p>3</p> |
<p>+2</p> |
<p>4</p> |
<p>Australia</p> |
<p>2</p> |
<p>1</p> |
<p>0</p> |
<p>1</p> |
<p>4</p> |
<p>2</p> |
<p>+2</p> |
<p>4</p> |
<p>Brazil</p> |
<p>2</p> |
<p>1</p> |
<p>1</p> |
<p>0</p> |
<p>3</p> |
<p>4</p> |
<p>-1</p> |
<p>3</p> |
<p>Japan</p> |
<p>2</p> |
<p>0</p> |
<p>2</p> |
<p>0</p> |
<p>3</p> |
<p>6</p> |
<p>-3</p> |
<p>0</p> |
