BECKY SAUERBRUNN, LAUREN HOLIDAY AND KATRINA GORRY STAR IN USA'S 3-1 WIN OVER AUSTRALIA

Photo courtesy of ISIPhotos.com

The USWNT earned three points against 'The Matildas' in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (June 8, 2024) -  The U.S.A. began their 2024 Canada FIFA Women's World Cup run with a solid 3-1 victory over Australia on Monday to take the lead in Group D. FC Kansas City players Lauren Holiday (USA) Becky Sauerbrunn (USA) started and played the full ninety, while Katrina Gorry (AUS) started and played eighty minutes.

Both teams created multiple scoring opportunities from kickoff all the way to the final whistle. However, it was Megan Rapinoe who gave the U.S.A. a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute when she found herself with a rebounded ball outside the box and struck it before an Australian defender deflected it in to the back of the net.

Midway through the first half, forward Lisa De Vanna found the equalizer when she received a ball on the right side of the box and hit a first-touch left-footed strike that beat goalkeeper Hope Solo in the 27th minute.

It wasn't until the 61st minute when Christen Press scored her first FIFA Women's World Cup tally assisted by Sydney Leroux who crossed the ball from the left side of the field to the box where Press kicked it to the far right corner giving the U.S.A. a 2-1 lead. Seventeen minutes later, Rapinoe scored her second one of the game with a left-footed shot that goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri couldn't get a touch on in the 78th minute.

Next up, the USWNT will square off against Sweden on Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT. Join FC Kansas City, Sporting KC and Win For KC's official watch party at Sporting Park's Boulevard Members Club. Doors open one hour prior to kickoff. The event is free of charge with food and drink specials.