SANTA MONICA — History almost repeated itself, but the United States Women’s National Team managed to prevent the upset Sunday night. The USWNT rallied back to tie 1-1 with Australia at Pratt and Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Conn.
At the last possible minute, the US found its way on the board. Forward Megan Rapinoe took the corner kick, placing it just in front of the far post where Lindsey Horan crashed and headed the ball into the goal in the 90th minute. It was the best performance from the US on the night. The USWNT went 6 for 18 on the night with shots on goal while recording 10 corners.
It wasn’t for lack of trying that the USWNT tied the game. Alex Morgan crossed the ball into Rapinoe in the 9th minute of play, but the cross hung too long, sailing over Rapinoe and missing its mark by a few yards. Again, in the 16th minute, Morgan sent a through ball to Rapinoe. However, this time Rapinoe jumped the gun on her shot which said three yards right of the goal into the crowd. Australia would score two minutes after Rapinoe’s shot as Chloe Logarzo tapped the ball just out of keeper Alyssa Naeher’s reach.
The US is still in the race as it leads with four points and five goals in the tournament. Australia sits in second with four points and four goals. The USWNT still look poised to win the Tournament of Nations should it be able to defeat Brazil and keep its goal count above Australia. The US will walk in with an advantage of knowing exactly what it will need to win prior to its next performance.
The US move on to face Brazil at Toyota Park on Aug. 2 at 8:30 p.m. while Australia will face Japan at Toyota Park at 5:45 on Aug. 2. The overall winner of the tournament will be announced following the US-Brazil game.
