Thriller in Connecticut as USA draws Australia 1-1 in 90th Minute in front of 21,570 fans!

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.

– U.S. Women’s National Team Match Report –

Match: U.S. Women’s National Team vs. Australia
Date: July 29, 2018
Competition: Tournament of Nations
Venue: Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field; East Hartford, Conn.
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Attendance: 21,570
Weather: 81 degrees, sunny

Lineups:
USA: 1-Alyssa Naeher; 22-Emily Sonnett (14-Casey Short, 79), 7-Abby Dahlkemper (16-Rose Lavelle, 79), 4-Becky Sauerbrunn, 19-Crystal Dunn (10-Carli Lloyd, 87); 2-Julie Ertz, 9-Lindsey Horan, 6-Morgan Brian (5-McCall Zerboni, 63); 17-Tobin Heath (23-Christen Press, 74), 13-Alex Morgan (capt.), 15-Megan Rapinoe

Subs not used : 3-Samantha Mewis, 8-Amy Rodriguez, 11-Merritt Mathias, 12-Tierna Davidson, 20-Allie Long, 21-Adrianna Franch, 24-Ashlyn Harris

Head coach: Jill Ellis

AUS: 1-Lydia Williams; 4-Clare Polkinghorne, 6-Chloe Logarzo (9-Caitlin Foord, 85), 8-Elise Kellond-Knight (capt.), 10-Emily Van Egmond, 11-Lisa De Vanna (17-Kyah Simon, 58), 13-Tameka Butt, 14-Alanna Kennedy, 16-Hayley Raso (15-Emily Gielnik, 90+5), 20-Sam Kerr (19-Katrina Gorry, 90+1), 21-Ellie Carpenter

Subs not used: 3-Amy Sayer, 5-Mary Fowler, 7-Laura Alleway, 18-Mackenzie Arnold, 22-Larissa Crummer, 23-Alex Chidiac

Head coach: Alen Stajcic

Final Stats Summary: USA / AUS
Shots: 18 / 8
Shots on Goal: 6 / 2
Saves: 1 / 5
Corner Kicks: 10 / 2
Fouls: 9 / 16
Offside: 4 / 2

Misconduct Summary:
AUS – Chloe Logarzo (caution) 37th minute
AUS – Lydia Williams (caution) 57
AUS – Emily Van Egmond (caution) 83

Officials:
Referee: Miriam Leon (SLV)
Assistant Referee 1: Princess Brown (JAM)
Assistant Referee 2: Elizabeth Aguilar (SLV)
4th Official: Quetzalli Alvarado (MEX)

Budweiser Woman of the Match: Julie Ertz