A last-minute equaliser from Lindsey Horan has broken Australian hearts as the Westfield Matildas drew 1-1 with the United States at Pratt & Whitney Stadium, Connecticut.
The Westfield Matildas appeared on the verge of laying down yet another landmark result against the world superpower after Chloe Logarzo’s first half strike had Australia 1-0 up from the 22nd minute.
But Horan headed home late in the first minute of stoppage time to restore parity and ensure the Tournament of Nations title race remains firmly in the balance.
After surviving a few early scares, the Westfield Matildas clinched the game’s opening goal through a sublime counter attacking strike inspired by Lisa De Vanna and finished by Chloe Logarzo.
Returning to the team in place of Kyah Simon, the veteran Australian forward surged past a string of American defenders in a run starting from deep inside her own half, before slipping in Logarzo who beat Alyssa Naeher with an unerring first-time finish.
Rattled by Logarzo’s strike, America struggled to carve their way through an organised Australian defence for much of the encounter.
However, the Westfield Matildas became a little more stretched as the contest continued with Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan causing moments of concern for the Australian defence in the second half.
An enormous collective effort from Stajcic’s side saw the Westfield Matildas repel waves of American pressure but Horan struck a chilling blow late on, heading home at the back post in stoppage time.
Westfield Matildas 1 (Logarzo 22’)
United States 1 (Horan 90’)
Monday 30th of July, 2018
Pratt & Whitney Stadium, Connecticut
Westfield Matildas XI: Lydia Williams, Ellie Carpenter, Clare Polkinghorne, Alanna Kennedy, Elise Kellond-Knight, Tameka Butt, Emily van Egmond, Hayley Raso, Chloe Logarzo, Lisa De Vanna (Kyah Simon 58’), Sam Kerr
United States XI: Alyssa Naeher, Crystal Dunn, Becky Sauerbrunn, Abby Dahlkemper, Emily Sonnett, Julie Ertz, Morgan Brian, Lindsey Hogan, Tobin Heath, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan
WATCH THE WESTFIELD MATILDAS TAKE ON REIGNING AFC ASIAN CUP CHAMPIONS JAPAN AT 7.45AM AEST ON FRIDAY 3 AUGUST,
Westfield Matildas v Japan
Date: Thursday, 2 August 2018 (local)
Venue: Toyota Park, Bridgeview, Illinois
Kick-off: 4.45pm (local) (7.45am AEST – Friday, 3 August 2018)
Broadcast: LIVE in Australia on FOX SPORTS 505 and the My Football Live app
