USWNT vs. Australia Friendly: What We Learned & Second Match Preview

A new era of the USWNT began as numerous NWSL stars got to suit up for the Stars and Stripes for the first time. Considering the fairly young and inexperienced team, the fact that the USWNT won 3-0 makes it even more impressive. With so many new players on the team, getting everyone to mesh together can be tough. However, Vlatko Andonovski and his staff did an amazing job, and this team looked like they’d been playing with each other forever. Let’s break down what we learned from the first friendly and how we think the second match might go. 

What We Learned

The 2021 NWSL Golden Boot winner Ashley Hatch made quite the statement in the opening 30 seconds and showed she was more than ready for the moment. 

30 SECONDS IN?! ??@USWNT making it look too easy already ? pic.twitter.com/gj4oEqZS3X

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 27, 2021

Australia’s defending was poor on this play, and how Hatch smashed the ball into the corner from almost six yards out shows how amped she was to get her first USWNT goal.

When it comes to prospects, Hatch is proving that she could be an option for striker off the bench in major competitions; she’s the type to inject some energy into the game and get the team a goal when they may need one. 

We also learned that the USWNT will be in great hands regarding goalkeeper no matter who is in the net. Alyssa Naeher, Ashlyn Harris, and Jane Campbell have been the USWNT’s top three keepers, but Casey Murphy stepped up in a big way. She showed she could get the job done against top competition.

Murphy’s save on Sam Kerr was ridiculous; seeing Kerr’s reaction is priceless because she knows that would’ve been a goal against a different keeper. 

.@CaseyMurph looking like a vet in her first cap ? pic.twitter.com/2A6NIopzy5

— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) November 27, 2021

Next, seeing Midge Purce and Sofia Huerta back on the team is always a welcome sight; they have the ability to open up any game with their creativity. Purce recorded her first USWNT assist with a nice, strong run down the right flank to feed Rose Lavelle. 

#USWNT goal No. 18 for @roselavelle#USWNT assist No. 1 for @100Purcent.

2-0, USA ?? pic.twitter.com/alXmiYHpfD

— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) November 27, 2021

Lindsey Horan would provide the third goal from the spot in her new No. 10 shirt. Overall, the 3-0 result was about as perfect as things could’ve gone. The younger NWSL stars like Bethany Balcer, Ashley Sanchez, and Morgan Weaver also got the chance to see the field and get some valuable senior international experience. 

What to Expect in the Second Match

Expect more of the same in the second match, with Vlatko Andonovski using this as an opportunity to experiment with different combinations of players.

Based on how the Matildas came out and attacked in the first game, they will be just as intense and looking to put pressure on the USWNT. The U.S. still had eight shots on target and more than 60% possession, but if it weren’t for Casey Murphy, the Matildas should’ve at least had a goal or two.

It might not go as smoothly as the first game for the USWNT since the Aussies will make their adjustments. So, the match should be closer than 3-0. 

However, it’s not just about winning in this situation for the USWNT. It’s about getting the younger players the experience they need and deserve as they look to grow their careers. It’s about having a future that’s just as successful once the current golden generation retires.

Regardless of the outcome in the second match, our younger players are getting better and developing, which is all that matters.

But, the Matildas only play in exciting matches with plenty of goals. Hopefully, we get to see more of that in the second match, with the USWNT still coming out on top. 

Featured image via @USWNT on Instagram

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