Melbourne City’s championship winning duo Lydia Williams and Steph Catley both starred as the Westfield Matildas recorded a historic first win over the USA in their opening Tournament of Nations clash on Friday.
Tameka Butt slotted home the game’s only goal in the 67th minute to end to one of the longest hoodoos in Australian sport, as the Matildas snapped a 27-game winless run against the reigning world champions with an energetic display in Seattle.
Williams, who wore the captain’s armband for the tournament opener, was once again immense in goal for the Matildas, pulling off several crucial saves to keep the USA at bay.
Her first major stop came after just 11 minutes when she denied US veteran Megan Rapinoe with a sharp one handed save at the near post, before plunging to her left to spectacularly deny substitute Carli Lloyd only moments after Butt’s historic winner.
City captain Catley provided her usual calming influence despite playing in an unfamiliar role in the centre of defence, helping the Matildas weather a late US storm to claim to a historic win.
Australia now sit atop of the group standings ahead of their next two tournament games against powerhouses Japan and Brazil.
Match Details
2017 Tournament of Nations
Friday 28 July 2017
United States 0
Australia 1 (Tameka Butt 67’)
