The United States women’s national team squeaked out a 1-1 draw against the reigning Tournament of Nations champions, Australia, on Sunday night in East Hartford, Conn. Chloe Logarzo put the Matildas on the board in the 22nd minute, but Lindsey Horan struck in the last minute of regulation to bring the game back level.
The Aussies got on the board first after Lisa De Vanna gained possession off a U.S. set piece, faked out Becky Sauerbrunn, and took off on a blazing run down the field before cutting the ball behind Abby Dahlkemper, springing Logarzo behind the defense.
Logarzo took a couple of touches as she went 1-v-1 with goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who stood planted off her line waiting for Logarzo’s shot. That allowed Logarzo to finish with a falling shot to the near post that was out of the reach of Naeher’s last-second diving attempt of a save.
Clinical. #ToN2018 pic.twitter.com/9iJ0ZM0Bjw
— Our Game Magazine (@OurGameMagazine) July 29, 2018
What followed was a long patch of back-and-forth that saw both teams create multiple opportunities on goal, but neither team able to beat the other’s defense to score.
Australia enjoyed the majority of the momentum in the first half, but the U.S. gradually took over more and more control of the game as the clock ticked on. The U.S. attack became increasingly dangerous and the Australian defense was noticeably scrambling to maintain their lead as the game progressed.
One of the U.S.’ biggest stars, Megan Rapinoe, was once again a major contender in the match, especially on set pieces, taking all of the U.S.’ corners despite her service noticeably lacking in quality compared to in previous performances.
In the final minute of regulation, Rapinoe once again stepped to the far corner and prepared to play in the set piece ball. This time her service was on point, and it found the head of Lindsey Horan, who redirected the ball past Aussie keeper Lydia Williams for the late-game equalizer.
Never count us out! ?? @mPinoe and @Lindseyhoran11 connect at the death. pic.twitter.com/hCUalpC76a
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) July 30, 2018
More than five minutes of second-half stoppage time was not enough for either team to score the go-ahead goal, and the final whistle blew with the game level at one goal apiece.
The two games are now tied in points, but a higher goal total keeps the United States atop the Tournament of Nations table. Australia will look to overtake the U.S. with a win against Japan on Thursday, while the Americans close out the second edition of the friendly tournament against Brazil.
