Matildas denied win by late US goal

The Matildas have drawn 1-1 with the United States in a tense Tournament of Nations clash.

Australia's Lisa De Vanna, Chloe Logarzo and Sam Kerr

Australia's Lisa De Vanna, Chloe Logarzo and Sam Kerr celebrate their goal against the US. Source: AAP

The Matildas' hopes of a second-straight win over the United States have been shattered by a 90th minute goal in a 1-1 draw at the Tournament of Nations.

Australia led through Chloe Logarzo's opener in the 22nd minute and looked on course for a huge statement victory over the world No.1-ranked Americans.

But Lindsey Horan rose to nod home a Megan Rapinoe corner at the end of regulation time to save the home side's blushes, extending their unbeaten streak to 18 matches.

Monday morning's (AEST) result in Connecticut was just the third time the US have been held to a draw during that period.

Coach Alen Stajcic believed the Matildas were hard done by, with replays suggesting a US player touched the ball before it went out for the corner kick that led to the equaliser.

"I thought it was a goal kick," Stajcic said.

"They're little moments that can sometimes affect the outcome of the game but it's hard to argue the USA didn't deserve a draw.

"The way it happened was a little bit unfortunate for us.

"We're all certainly proud of the effort... it was probably one of the best defensive performances we've done."

The Americans haven't tasted defeat since the last time they met the Matildas in the same tournament a year ago.

It remains Australia's only victory over the US in women's soccer.

But should they meet again at next year's Women's World Cup in France.

The Matildas - who sit at No.8 in the world rankings - will be bullish about their chances after frustrating the star-studded American attack for nearly the whole match.

Logarzo's goal stirred up clear anxiety in the US team, who were out for revenge and had done most of the attacking up until that point.

Lisa De Vanna, the oldest player in the Australian squad at age 33, was the architect.

Brought in for Kyah Simon in the only change made by coach Alen Stajcic to the starting team that defeated Brazil last week, De Vanna collected the ball near the edge of the Matildas' defensive penalty area after a US corner was cleared.

She switched on the afterburners, leaving two chasing Americans in her wake on a blistering 60-metre run, surged into the final third before slipping a perfect through-ball for Logarzo, who provided a calm and clinical finish.

The US continued to dominate possession and territory for the remainder of the match and the Matildas ultimately couldn't keep them out.

Australia round out their Tournament of Nations campaign on Friday morning (AEST) in Bridgeview, Illinois against Japan, who defeated them 1-0 in the Women's Asian Cup final in April.

Matildas team against US: Lydia Williams, Ellie Carpenter, Clare Polkinghorne, Alanna Kennedy, Elise Kellond Knight (capt), Hayley Raso (Emily Gielnik 90+6'), Chloe Logarzo (Caitlin Foord 85'), Emily van Egmond, Tameka Butt, Sam Kerr, Lisa De Vanna (Kyah Simon 58').


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Source: AAP



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