Australia 0-1 Mexico
By Kieran Yap 6/6/26
Above: Diana Ordoñez. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
A Diana Ordoñez goal secured Mexico a 1-0 win over Australia at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
Matildas coach Joe Montemurro named a strong starting lineup in the first of the two-game series. Ellie Carpenter captained the side in her 100th cap. Emily Van Egmond, Alanna Kennedy and Amy Sayer made up an unfamiliar looking midfield. Winonah Heatley and Steph Catley combined in central defence with Kaitlyn Torpey starting at left back.
The attacking trio of Caitlin Foord, Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler showed some early promise. Foord’s trademark long run through the middle of the park brought the crowd to life, but Mexico’s deep-sitting defence made shots on goal a rarity.
The visitors were content to try and catch the Matildas on the counter attack, but neither team had much luck in the first half.
Australia’s most promising move came when Van Egmond’s pass put Carpenter in behind the defenders. Her eventual cross was too close to goal and Mexico were able to clear.
The match opened up more after the break. Haley Raso’s introduction added a more direct threat to the Aussie attack and her cross was nearly turned in my a Sam Kerr backheel.
Foord continued to test Mexico but often found herself outnumbered on the wing. Australia’s plan continues to focus on cutbacks to the goal-face as opposed to shots from the edge of the box. When it works it creates great opportunities, but well-structured defences can deter these attacks as Mexico did on the night’s
Australia’s midfield was in control for the majority of the match but played fairly safe football in the first half. Alex Chidiac’s arrival on the pitch added an urgency on the ball and some spark in the central areas that forced Mexico’s defenders into making decisions.
The match looked destined to end in a scoreless draw, but Mexico had the last chance of the evening and made the most of it. A rapid counterattack drew all four Matildas defenders to the ball leaving Ordoñez free at the back post.
Her composed finish gave Mexico the 92nd lead and left Australia with too little time to respond.
The Matildas will aim for a better result on Tuesday night in Sydney.
Lineup: Australia: Arnold, Carpenter, Heatley, Catley, Torpey, Kennedy, Van Egmond, Sayer, Fowler, Kerr, Foord. Substitutes: Raso, Rule, Nevin, Chidiac, Melegh, Lincoln, Rankin, Gomez, Wheeler, McKenna, McNamara, Murphy, Siemsen.
Mexico: Barreres, Reyes, Espinosa, Rodriguez, Hernandez, R Bernal, Delgado, Sanchez, Antonio, Saldivar, Palacios. Substitutes: Soto, Ordoñez, Corral, Gutiérrez, Nieto, Velasco, Felix, Robles, K Bernal, Servin, Casarez, Nicosia.
Goal: Ordoñez 90+2
Referee: TBC
Attendance : TBC
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