GLENDALE, Ariz – The United States achieved a 2-1 victory over Australia in the SheBelieves Cup on Sunday, with Lynn Biyendolo netting a goal just 42 seconds into the game. This quick start was pivotal as the U.S. improved its record to 2-0 within the four-team round-robin tournament.
Michelle Cooper also contributed significantly, scoring her first international goal in only her second appearance for the team. Biyendolo’s early goal marked the quickest scored by a U.S. player since Ashley Hatch’s 24-second strike against Australia back in November 2021.
Biyendolo, who has recently taken on her married name after tying the knot in the offseason, celebrated her 22nd international goal with this match. Australia managed to get on the scoreboard with a late goal from Michelle Heyman in the 80th minute.
Cooper’s goal came in the 68th minute, doubling the U.S. lead to 2-0. Reflecting on the moment, Cooper expressed her emotions: “It was absolutely surreal. I looked at (teammate Ally Sentnor) and I said, ‘I’m so sorry’ because I basically stole it from her. But she was supportive and said, ‘It’s OK, I’m happy for you.’ It felt great.”
U.S. coach Emma Hayes made significant changes to her lineup after their 2-0 win over Colombia in the tournament’s opening match held in Houston on Thursday. This lineup switch marked just the sixth occurrence in team history of entirely changing the starting eleven in consecutive matches.
New faces Gisele Thompson and Claire Hutton made their first starts for the national team, while Gisele’s older sister, Alyssa Thompson, also participated in the match. Mandy McGlynn took the position as goalkeeper, as Hayes continues to explore options following Alyssa Naeher’s retirement last year.
Hayes has been introducing fresh talent and adjusting lineups as part of the preparation for next year’s Women’s World Cup qualification, an opportunity that Cooper appreciates deeply. “I just want to get to know the players, build good connections, and understand the staff to hopefully earn their trust to remain on this team,” Cooper noted.
Australia’s Matildas continue to face challenges, particularly with the absence of star player Sam Kerr, who has not represented the national team for over a year following ACL surgery.
In earlier matches of the SheBelieves Cup, Japan defeated Colombia with a commanding score of 4-1, with Mina Tanaka, currently playing for NWSL’s Utah Royals, scoring twice, including a penalty kick, and Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo finding the net for Colombia.
The final matches of the SheBelieves Cup are scheduled for Wednesday in San Diego, featuring the U.S. facing Japan and Colombia going up against Australia. The tournament champion is determined by the accumulation of points across the matches, now entering its 10th season.
