USA Defeats Australia 2-1 in SheBelieves Cup as Biyendolo, Cooper Score/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lynn Biyendolo scored just 42 seconds into the match, and Michelle Cooper added her first international goal as the United States defeated Australia 2-1 in the SheBelieves Cup. Michelle Heyman pulled one back for Australia in the 80th minute, but the U.S. held on for the win. The victory keeps the U.S. unbeaten in the tournament ahead of its final match against Japan.
USA’s SheBelieves Cup Win Over Australia: Quick Looks
- Fast start: Lynn Biyendolo scores in the 42nd second, the fastest U.S. goal since 2021
- Cooper’s breakthrough: Michelle Cooper nets her first international goal in her second cap
- Australia’s response: Michelle Heyman scores in the 80th minute but comeback falls short
- Hayes experiments: U.S. coach swaps entire starting lineup for the match
- Young talent shines: Gisele Thompson and Claire Hutton make first national team starts
- Goalkeeper rotation: Mandy McGlynn starts as Hayes evaluates options post-Naeher era
- Next up: USA faces Japan in final SheBelieves Cup match Wednesday in San Diego
USA Defeats Australia 2-1 in SheBelieves Cup as Biyendolo, Cooper Score
Deep Look
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The United States women’s national team (USWNT) maintained its perfect record in the SheBelieves Cup with a 2-1 victory over Australia on Sunday, fueled by an explosive start from Lynn Biyendolo and a milestone goal from rising star Michelle Cooper.
Lightning-Fast Start
Biyendolo wasted no time putting the U.S. ahead, scoring just 42 seconds into the match with a sharp finish from close range. The goal, her 22nd international tally, was the fastest by a U.S. player since Ashley Hatch’s strike at 24 seconds against Australia in 2021.
“It was great to get on the scoresheet early and set the tone,” Biyendolo said. The forward, who recently married and changed her surname from Williams, has been a consistent attacking threat for the U.S.
Cooper’s First International Goal
In the 68th minute, Michelle Cooper capitalized on a loose ball in the box to make it 2-0, marking her first international goal in just her second appearance.
“It was absolutely surreal,” Cooper said. “I looked at [Ally Sentnor] and apologized because I kind of stole it from her, but she was happy for me. It felt amazing.”
Australia’s Late Push
Australia pulled a goal back in the 80th minute through Michelle Heyman, but the Matildas couldn’t find an equalizer despite late pressure. Missing star forward Sam Kerr, who remains sidelined following ACL surgery, Australia’s attack struggled for large portions of the match.
Hayes Shakes Things Up
U.S. head coach Emma Hayes made bold changes, swapping her entire starting lineup from the previous 2-0 win over Colombia. It was only the sixth time in USWNT history that all starters were changed between matches.
“We’re using this tournament to explore options and build squad depth,” Hayes said. “The players showed resilience and adaptability, which is exactly what I wanted to see.”
Young Stars Get Their Chance
Teenagers Gisele Thompson and Claire Hutton earned their first senior team starts, while Gisele’s older sister Alyssa Thompson also featured in the lineup. Hayes praised the youngsters for their composure on the big stage.
Goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn made her first SheBelieves Cup appearance, stepping in as Hayes evaluates replacements for long-time No. 1 Alyssa Naeher, who retired last year.
What’s Next in the SheBelieves Cup?
The tournament concludes Wednesday in San Diego:
- USA vs. Japan: A win secures the SheBelieves Cup title for the U.S.
- Australia vs. Colombia: Both teams seek to end the tournament on a high note.
In Sunday’s earlier match, Japan defeated Colombia 4-1, with Mina Tanaka scoring twice, including a penalty. Colombia’s Linda Caicedo netted the lone goal for her side.
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