USWNT hold off Matildas in SheBelieves Cup

USA Women 2-1 Australia Women

GLENDALE, AZ–The youngest starting XI in 24 years for the USA did well at State Farm Stadium as they defeated Australia, 2-1, in the SheBelieves Cup. The USWNT are now 2-for-2 while Australia are now 0-2-0 after earlier losing to Japan.

It was wholesale changes by Emma Hayes after the 2-0 win against Colombia (a first since 2000 and just the sixth time ever). However, the lineup paid instant dividends as Jayden Shaw fed Lynn Biyendolo (neé Williams) for the opening score just 41 seconds into the match. By the 22nd minute, it was 2-0 as Aly Sentnor fed Michelle Cooper from 12 yards out.

Australia has had a wretched SheBelieves Cup thus far losing the opener 4-0 to Japan in their first match in Houston. There was a ray of hope ten minutes from time as Hayley Raso sent a cross to Michelle Heyman who headed from six yards out to make it 2-1. However, that was as close as they got as the USA closed things out.

Emma Hayes is now 15-0-2 as USWNT head coach. Next up for the USWNT is Japan (2-0-0) on Thursday at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. Kickoff is at 7:30pm Pacific time on TBS and Max in English and NBC Universo and Peacock in Spanish.

Our Colorado Rapids photographer Linda Brothers made the trip to Glendale. You can view a sample of her photos below and more by clicking on the link.