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| Matildas' Heather Garriock (No 7) in action against the United States on Monday (AFP) |
CARY: Asian women’s runners-up Australia lost narrowly to world No 1 United States 3-2 in an international friendly here in North Carolina on Monday.
Trailing 2-0 in the final 10 minutes of the match, Australia were hauled back into contention by goals from Kate Gill (86th minute) and captain Cheryl Salisbury (88th), forcing the match into extra time where after a cross was punched out by goalkeeper Lydia Williams, American Carli Lloyd headed the ball in.
Gill's goal for Australia was set up midfielder Heather Garriock, playing her 100th full international.
Matildas coach Tom Sermanni said: "The team responded well to going two goals behind. When you are playing the number one team in the world you could throw in the towel at that point but we didn't and that was very pleasing."
Australia play their second match against the United States on May 3 in Birmingham, Alabama, as part of their preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (May 28-June 8) in Ho Chi Min City for which they have been drawn with Japan, Korea Republic and Chinese Taipei.
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