East Hartford, Connecticut (July 29, 2018) — Lindsey Horan waited for the perfect opportunity.
She found it in the last minute of regulation time, during the United States Women’s National Team match against Australia. The second Tournament of Nations match between the two teams, Horan’s late goal gave the United States a 1-1 draw.
Lindsey Horan, USWNT Squeak Out 1-1 Draw Against Australia
Horan started the match, featuring all 90 minutes.
Megan Rapinoe assisted the goal, finding Horan on a corner kick. Nobody from Australia marked the Portland Thorns midfielder, giving her open range to send a shot past Lydia Williams.
However, it was Australia that added the first point on the board.
Chloe Logarzo, who features for Sydney FC in Australia, scored in the 22nd minute. Lisa De Vanna made a long run through multiple United States players and eventually found Logarzo for a pass.
Then, Logarzo smashed her goal past Alyssa Naeher, who started her second consecutive match in goal.
“I think we had the better of the game in almost every phase,” Ellis said. “I think Lindsey Horan, that’s the best performance I’ve ever seen in a national team jersey. I thought she was fantastic tonight. Our front three I thought played well. There were just so many good things. We talk a lot about total-team performance, that’s how it felt tonight.”
The United States had no yellow cards shown to any players. Meanwhile, Williams, Logarzo and Emily Van Egmond were shown yellow cards by referee Miriam Leon.
Never count us out! 🇺🇸 @mPinoe and @Lindseyhoran11 connect at the death. pic.twitter.com/hCUalpC76a
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 30, 2018
Brazil Defeats Japan, 2-1
Earlier in the day, the Brazilian Women’s National Team picked up three points in the Tournament of Nations.
Brazil took on Japan, beating the Asian team 2-1. Both national teams are currently qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be held next year in France. Australia is also qualified.
Brazil hit the scoreboard first, with Marta registering her 110th goal in the 76th minute. In the 90th minute, Beatriz found the back of the net.
However, Japan didn’t get blanked by Brazil. Rika Masuya scored in the 93rd minute, keeping some glimmer of hope alive for Japan. However, the Japanese could not muster any other attack — or shot — past Brazilian goalkeeper Aline.
Three Takeaways from USA v. AUS
- Not so fast, Jill: I have to disagree with Jill Ellis. The United States did not have the better match. Sure, the team did lead in possession with the home team holding 65 percent of the ball. However, Australia had more chemistry. The United States midfield looked like a mess up until McCall Zerboni entered the match in the 63rd minute.
- Looks like it’s Naeher: Three games, three goalkeepers. You’d like to think that Ellis would give Adrianna Franch and Ashlyn Harris a shot in goal, but that’s not the case. For some reason, Ellis is stuck on having Alyssa Naeher as her number one goalkeeper.
- Becky Sauerbrunn hobbles off: After sitting out against Japan, Becky Sauerbrunn started for the United States against Australia. However, she hobbled off the pitch around the 80th minute. Despite the visible discomfort, Ellis kept her in the match. Fans will have to wait until Thursday’s match against Brazil to see if Sauerbrunn will return to the pitch.
Postgame pals everywhere.#ToN2018 pic.twitter.com/9UZlEOhyL8
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 30, 2018
What’s Next?
The United States will take on Brazil on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois. Before the United States, Japan will attempt to earn a Tournament of Nations victory against Australia.
Currently, the United States leads the Tournament of Nations, with Australia right behind. Both teams have four points.
Meanwhile, Brazil sits in third place with three points. Japan, who are eliminated from lifting the Tournament of Nations trophy, has zero points.
