The Australian women’s national team fell to Olympic silver medalists Sweden, 0-1, in the opening round of the Algarve Cup. The loss is a huge setback to the Matildas, who many predicted could advance all the way to the tournament final.
Sam Kerr, the Sky Blue FC forward, earned a spot in the starting lineup for the Matildas. Kerr was accompanied by five other NWSL players in the AUS lineup, including goalkeeper Lydia Williams (Houston Dash), Steph Catley (Orlando Pride), Lisa De Vanna (Orlando Pride), Alanna Kennedy (Orlando Pride) and Hayley Raso (Portland Thorns).
The speed of Kerr and her teammates stretched Sweden’s back line all game, creating multiple opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net.