The CommBank Matildas concluded their 2025 SheBelieves Cup journey with a disappointing third straight defeat, suffering a 2-1 loss to Colombia in San Diego on Thursday morning (AEDT).
Entering Thursday’s match, the Matildas were seeking to bounce back from previous defeats against Japan and the United States, the host nation.
At the half-time break, Australia found themselves trailing 1-0 after a goal from Wendy Bonilla in the 15th minute. However, Hayley Raso managed to level the score for Australia in the second half.
Regrettably, Colombia regained the lead just four minutes after Australia’s equaliser, capitalising on a deflected shot from their captain, Catalina Usme.
Colombia maintained their advantage through to the final whistle, marking a third consecutive loss for the Matildas. Following this match, the team will shift focus to two upcoming friendlies against South Korea on home ground in early April.
Youth talent Alana Murphy made her second appearance for the Matildas against Colombia, having made her international debut against the US. A-League stars Michelle Heyman (Canberra United) and Tameka Yallop (Brisbane Roar) started in the narrow defeat, while Newcastle Jets defender Natasha Prior also took to the pitch, joining Murphy off the bench.
Throughout their first two games of the SheBelieves Cup, the Matildas managed only seven shots on goal. However, they showed improvement against Colombia, recording five shots by half-time.
Despite these attempts, Australia couldn’t find the net, with Colombia taking the lead following Bonilla’s goal in the 15th minute.
Bonilla’s goal originated from a swift Colombian counterattack. Striker Mayra Ramirez set her up nicely, allowing Bonilla to take one touch before firing a low shot past Teagan Micah.
The match’s opening goal came just moments after Emily van Egmond, a veteran of the Matildas, narrowly missed scoring with a shot that went wide of the top-left corner. Kyra Cooney-Cross and Michelle Heyman also had chances for Australia, but none were converted as the first half ended with Colombia in front.
As the half neared its conclusion, Australia faced a potential setback when star defender Ellie Carpenter indicated she needed to be substituted due to an apparent left quad injury. The 24-year-old was replaced by Kaitlyn Torpey, who received enthusiastic support from the crowd as she made her appearance at Snapdragon Stadium, home of her club, San Diego Wave.
Matildas interim head coach Tom Sermanni made two additional changes at half-time, substituting Heyman and Steph Catley for Newcastle Jets defender Natasha Prior and Caitlin Foord. Just ten minutes into the second half, Foord had a chance to make an impact, unleashing a powerful strike from distance that just missed the top-left corner.
Sermanni then introduced Mary Fowler from the bench as the Matildas sought the equaliser. Shortly after, Charlotte Grant and Raso combined effectively to equalise for Australia. Grant delivered a ball from the left flank that Raso skillfully controlled in the box, fought off two defenders, and scored with a deflected shot into the net.
However, the Matildas’ joy was short-lived, as Colombia swiftly regained the lead through captain Usme.
Usme found space at the edge of the penalty area, allowing her to take a touch before shooting. Prior attempted to intercept the shot, but unfortunately, her efforts caused the ball to loop over Micah and into the net.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage:Â SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
