USA Women's Soccer vs. Australia: Score, Analysis, Grades and More

Team USA’s women’s soccer club didn’t disappoint its fans on its Fan Tribute Tour.

On Sunday afternoon, the Americans defeated Australia in an international friendly by the score of 2-1. They entered the locker room at halftime down 0-1, but the women ignited a second-half surge that was strong enough for them to walk away with the win.

Here’s a complete review of the match.

Grades for Key USA Players

Alex Morgan: A

Down 0-1 in the second half, Morgan wasn’t interested in suffering a loss—let alone a shutout—in the exhibition. She launched a rocket past the opposing goaltender to tie up the match. The goal gave the U.S. the momentum it needed to leapfrog its competitor.

Hope Solo: B+

One was enough for Solo. Team USA’s star goalie surrendered an early score against Australia, but that would be the last of her opponent’s success. The Aussies attempted three shots on goal, and Solo stopped all but the one.

Grades for Key Australian Players

Lisa De Vanna: B

It didn’t take long for De Vanna to put Australia in control of the match. She scored 34 minutes in, which built a lead that held up for 20 more. But in the end, her effort wasn’t enough to outscore the Americans.

 

Brianna Davey: C+

Outside of a rough 10 minutes early in the second half, the 17-year-old Davey played extremely well. Team USA launched 16 shots, seven on goal, at her. She faced more pressure than Solo, but she still surrendered one score too many.

Deciding Factor: Shot-Attempt Differential

If you can’t shoot, you can’t score—it’s a mind-blowing revelation, I know.

Australia only got off five shots on the game. The U.S., on the other hand, attempted over three times as many. The team’s 16 told the story of which club dominated the ball the majority of the match.

Woman of the Match: Shannon Boxx

Boxx’s day began 47 minutes into the match, and her substitution proved to be a wise one. About 16 minutes later, she fired home what would go onto be the game-winning goal on a penalty shot. Her effort proved to be the difference between a draw and a W.

What’s Next?

The clubs will get another shot at each other when they face off again in Colorado on Wednesday, September 19 at 8 p.m. MT, 10 p.m. ET; game airs on ESPN2 and WatchESPN.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels