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Lloyd lifts USA to win over Australia with late strike

Mon 28th, April 2008

Cary, NC (Sports Network) - Carli Lloyd scored in stoppage time to lead the U.S. Women's National Team to a 3-2 win over Australia in a friendly on Sunday.

The start of the match was delayed 53 minutes because of rain and lightning, but the Americans came out strong as Natasha Kai scored the opener in the 35th minute, and Abby Wambach gave the Americans a two-goal lead shortly after the restart.

It looked like a comfortable lead until the game's last five minutes, when Australia scored two goals to level the match, only for Lloyd to snatch the win with her goal in stoppage time.

The win is the first on home soil for head coach Pia Sundhage, and the team's record now stands at 11-0-1 for 2008.

The two teams will play another friendly May 3 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Lloyd helped set up the first goal with a good run through midfield before slipping a pass towards Wambach inside the area. The striker allowed the ball to go through her legs and get to Kai at the back post. Her first touch was a little heavy but she was able to recover and sent a sliding shot off the right post and in from just outside the six-yard box.

Amy Rodriguez came on as a substitute after halftime and had an immediate impact. She raced past an Australian defender and played a nice chip towards the top of the six-yard box for Wambach, who sent a looping header inside the left post.

The USA was in control of the match but Australia rallied late to create an exciting finish.

Heather Garriock's cross was headed home from a tight angle by Kate Gill, and just one minute later, the Matildas were awarded a penalty kick when Lori Chalupny was whistled for a handball.

Captain Cheryl Salisbury stepped to the spot and had her spot kick saved by goalkeeper Hope Solo, but Salisbury headed the rebound into the open net to even the match.

The Americans were not ready to settle for a draw and they battled back and drew a foul on the left wing. Cat Whitehill served the ball into the middle of the box, but Australia keeper Lydia Williams was unable to make a play on the ball, and it fell to Lloyd for an easy header from close rang.

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