of australian women's soccer team On Wednesday, in an international friendly match held at Toyota Field in San Antonio, Texas, they overcame a tough challenge from Mexico and won 2-0.
of matildasRanked 12th in the soccer rankings, she rode on goals from Haley Laso (9th minute) and Caitlin Ford (52nd minute) to defeat a feisty Mexican women's soccer team.
The match started with the Matildas dominating possession, but they were unable to score as the in-form Mexican team, which defeated world No. 4 USA earlier this year, tried to press high.
Australia finally took the lead in the 9th minute after some good play from Ford, who was the standout player of the game, when Laso on the left got the ball on the edge of Mexico's box. The Matildas winger turned and fired a nice shot, but it was sucked into the goal despite Mexican goalkeeper Estefany Barreras taking the shot.
However, despite having superior possession, the Matildas were unable to extend their lead and the first half ended 1-0.
Ford, who played a major role in the opening goal, became the top scorer in the second half, beating Barreras with a brilliant curler and doubling his team's lead. Australia could have extended their lead further, but Mexico's determined defense prevented them from doing so.
The win means the Matildas are undefeated this year, having defeated Uzbekistan twice in Olympic qualifying earlier this year.
It was a good win for the Matildas, who will be without captain Sam Kerr and first-team members Claire Hunt, Courtney Nevin and Katrina Gorey through injury ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“This was exactly what we needed to prepare for the Olympics and learn about ourselves,” Australian national team head coach Tony Gustafsson said.
The Matildas will next face the People's Republic of China in Adelaide on May 31 and Sydney on June 3 in preparation for the Paris 2024 Games.
