Matildas complete USA tour undefeated
The Matildas have completed their three-match tour of the USA undefeated following a 2-0 win over leading
semi-professional side Sacramento Storm in a match played at the Home Depot Centre, Los Angeles.
Second half goals to Sally Shipard and Lana Harch ensured victory over strong opposition that included
experienced internationals in Brandi Chastain and Brazil's Sissi.
The win follows on from a 2-0 victory over Mexico mid-week, and a scoreless draw against Olympic champions
USA last weekend.
"The match was a very good workout for us and proved to be a very good way to finish the tour," said
Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.
"It has been a valuable trip for us being able to spend time together as a unit and playing against quality
opposition.
"The most pleasing aspect of the tour was that we didn't concede any goals which is something we can build
on, and the fact that we finished each match strongly is also a major positive."
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Matildas Tour Match |
| AUSTRALIA |
2 |
|
Sally Shipard 77', Lana Harch 91' |
| SACRAMENTO STORM |
0 |
|
nil |
|
Australia drew with USA 0-0
Fullarton, California
Australia defeated Mexico 2-0
El Paso Patriots Stadium, Texas
Australia defeated Sacramento Storm
Home Depot Centre, Los Angeles
|
The winning margin could have been greater with Jo Burgess, Kylie Ledbrook and Collette McCallum all
putting the ball in the net only to have their efforts denied for being offside.
The breakthrough finally came 13 minutes from full time with Ledbrook's low drive at goal from the left
hand flank fumbled by the goalkeeper and finished from close range by Shipard.
The Australians doubled their lead in injury time with Sarah Walsh setting up Harch who broke clear of the
defence and finished smartly lifting her shot over the advancing goalkeeper.
The tour providing ongoing preparation for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign with the qualifying
tournament currently scheduled for mid-2006.
Australian line-up:
Lydia Williams (gk), Rhian Davies, Kate McShea, Heather Garriock, Karla Reuter, Sally Shipard, Joanne Peters,
Collette McCallum, Kylie Ledbrook, Caitlin Munoz (Lana Harch 60'), Jo Burgess (Sarah Walsh 75').
Sacramento line-up:
Brittney Gillespie (GK), Annii Magulo, Danica Carey, April Colen, Myisha Delaney, Brandi Chastain, Sissi,
Betsy Barr, Megan Harris, Maureen Whitney, Brooke O'Hanlen.
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Matildas Tour Squad |
|
Goalkeepers – Melissa Barbieri (Current team – Victoria Vision), Lydia Williams (Canberra Eclipse)
Defenders – Rhian Davies (NSW Sapphires White), Kate McShea (Queensland Sting), Karla Reuter
(Queensland Sting), Cheryl Salisbury (Northern NSW Pride), Thea Slatyer (NSW Sapphires Blue), Heather Garriock
(NSW Sapphires Blue)
Midfielders – Leah Blayney (Auburn University, USA – home state NSW), Lana Harch (Queensland Sting),
Collette McCallum (Canberra Eclipse), Joanne Peters (KIF Orebro, Sweden – NSW), Sally Shipard (NSW Sapphires
White), Alicia Ferguson (Queensland Sting), Kylie Ledbrook (NSW Sapphires Blue)
Forwards – Kate Gill (Northern NSW Pride), Caitlin Munoz (Canberra Eclipse), Sarah Walsh (NSW
Sapphires Blue), Selin Kuralay (Florida State University, USA - Victoria), Jo Burgess (NSW Sapphires White)
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