The United States women’s national team is on the brink of another triumph, following a thrilling 2-1 victory over Australia. Goals from Lynn Biyendolo (formerly Williams) and Michelle Cooper secured the win, setting up a highly anticipated SheBelieves Cup final clash against Japan on Wednesday.
The match initially seemed to be in the bag for the USWNT, with a strong defensive performance and a goalkeeping test for Mandy McGlynn, making only her second start for the team. However, a late goal from Michelle Heyman in the 80th minute added a twist to the game, forcing the Americans to dig deep for the narrow win.
Japan, on the other hand, has been dominant throughout the tournament, showcasing their prowess with convincing wins over Australia and Colombia. Coach Emma Hayes made a bold move by fielding an entirely different lineup, making 11 changes from the previous match—a rare occurrence in the team’s history.
“This was a lot of new players playing together,” remarked Tierna Davidson, who led the team on Sunday. Despite the unfamiliar combinations, the team showed resilience and determination, earning praise for their efforts on the field. Young talents like Claire Hutton made their debut, hinting at a promising future for the national team.
### Play of the game
In a standout moment during the match, Michelle Cooper scored her second goal for the USWNT, securing a crucial 2-0 lead. Her goal, created by a skillful pass from Hutton to Ally Sentnor, showcased the team’s ability to work together and capitalize on opportunities.
“I looked at Ally and said, ‘I’m so sorry!’ because I basically stole it from you,” Cooper humorously remarked after the game, highlighting the camaraderie within the team. Coach Hayes emphasized the importance of celebrating success and encouraged Cooper not to apologize for scoring.
### Turning point
The game took an early turn in favor of the USWNT, with Lynn Biyendolo scoring within 42 seconds to put her team ahead 1-0. The swift goal, assisted by Emma Sears and Jaedyn Shaw, set the tone for the match and propelled the Americans towards victory. Biyendolo’s performance, especially under her married name, showcased her talent and determination on the field.
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Coach Hayes’ strategic focus on expanding the team’s playing pool by giving opportunities to less experienced players stood out in the youthful lineup fielded against Australia. With only three veterans in the mix, the match highlighted the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent and building depth for future competitions.
### What’s next for the USWNT?
The USWNT will face Japan in the SheBelieves Cup final in San Diego on Wednesday, Feb. 26. This highly anticipated matchup promises to be a challenging test for the team, as they go up against a well-organized Japanese squad known for their disciplined defensive tactics. Coach Hayes expressed excitement about the upcoming clash, acknowledging Japan’s quality and the valuable lessons it will provide for her players.
As the USWNT prepares for the final showdown, the absence of key players like Trinity Rodman adds an element of uncertainty to the match. However, with a focus on building depth and quality options within the team, Hayes remains confident in her squad’s ability to rise to the occasion and deliver a strong performance against Japan.
Laken Litman, a seasoned sports journalist covering college football, college basketball, and soccer for FOX Sports, provides valuable insights and analysis on the USWNT’s journey in the SheBelieves Cup. Her expertise and passion for the game shine through in her captivating storytelling, offering readers a compelling narrative of the team’s triumphs and challenges on the road to victory.
