The Matildas have gone down 5-3 to the United States in one of their last friendlies before the FIFA Women's World Cup.
The world no.1 team will take confidence heading into their remaining matches in the lead up to France 2019.
There was an early chance for the Matildas when forward Lisa De Vanna was denied a penalty after contact was made in the box. However, that would be the last time Australia would have an opportunity for the next 10 minutes as the USA dominated that period of play.
The Matildas tried to play out from the back, something which is reminiscent of the Roarcelona days in the A-League, but this simply wasn't working with a high pressing forward line from the US.
It made it extremely difficult for Australia to make it out of their own half.
However, this was able to be fixed by just moving the ball around quicker to create more space in transition.
Unfortunately, for the Matildas, the USA's dominance in that stanza would result in Alex Morgan scoring her 100th international goal. The veteran forwards goal also brought a record with it...when Morgan scores the USA never lose.
Not a record the Matildas want to come up against when they've had just one win of the three-time World Cup winners.
But an uncharacteristic defending choice from Emily Sonnett would invite Australia back into the match. Lisa De Vanna was given acre's of space on the ball after a run from Caitlin Foord and she made the USA pay.
The goal that has this game level at 1-1. @lisadevanna11 makes a statement with this finish #USAvAUS pic.twitter.com/heZ9fkxJRi
— The Women's Game (@TheWomensGame) April 5, 2019
There were some tense moments towards the end of the first half when Tobin Heath and Megan Rapinoe combined to catch the Matildas off guard in the box.
But it was teenager Ellie Carpenter who was switched on to make a save on the line.
HT: While we wait for the second half to start someone please try and explain how in the world @CarpenterEllie saved this ball from going in?!?#USAvAUS pic.twitter.com/bxcs0ZEjG0
— The Women's Game (@TheWomensGame) April 5, 2019
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