U.S. Women’s CP National Team Faces Defeat in World Cup Final Against Australia
SALOU, Spain (Nov. 19, 2024) – The U.S. Women’s CP National Team was off to a promising start in the Women’s World Cup Final, clashing with Australia in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2022 final. Despite a strong opening, the team ultimately succumbed to a 6-2 loss on Tuesday.
Early Dominance by the USA
Captain Cassidy Leake set the tone for the match, scoring the opening goal just four minutes in. Seizing on an Australian turnover, Leake deftly maneuvered through the midfield before executing a skillful right-footed strike past goalkeeper Katelyn Smith.
Only two minutes later, Kaia Spencer extended the USA’s advantage to 2-0. Following a lackluster Australian shot that was safely handled by goalkeeper Leah Glaser, she initiated a fast-paced counterattack by passing to Catarina Guimaraes. Guimaraes swiftly advanced the ball and set up Spencer, who delivered a stunning left-footed shot that ricocheted off the near post before nestling into the far side of the net.
Australia Battles Back
Australian captain Katelyn Smith showcased her skills by making several key saves to keep her team in the match. In the 17th minute, she found the net herself, reducing the deficit and allowing Australia to enter halftime trailing 2-1.
Second Half Turnaround
The second half proved to be pivotal for Australia, as Smith struck again with two more goals in the 30th and 33rd minutes, turning the tide in favor of her team. Adding to the Australian lead, Georgia Beikoff scored a brace while Annmarie De Uriate netted another goal, culminating in a dominant performance that saw the USA unable to recover.
Final Result and Overview
With this outcome, the U.S. Women’s CP National Team concluded the 2024 IFCPF Women’s CP World Cup as the runner-up, bringing their overall record to 9 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw.
Match Details
Match: U.S. Women’s CP National Team vs. Australia
Date: Nov. 19, 2024
Competition: Women’s World Cup – Final
Venue: Futbal Salou-Field 13; Salou, Spain
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. local (8:30 a.m. ET)
Scoring Summary
| Team | 1 | 2 | F |
| USA | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| AUS | 1 | 5 | 6 |
Goal Scoring Details
| USA – Cassidy Leake | 4th minute |
| USA – Kaia Spencer (Catarina Guimaraes) | 6th minute |
| AUS – Katelyn Smith | 17th minute |
| AUS – Katelyn Smith | 30th minute |
| AUS – Katelyn Smith (penalty kick) | 33rd minute |
| AUS – Georgia Beikoff | 38th minute |
| AUS – Annmarie De Uriarte | 46th minute |
| AUS – Georgia Beikoff | 49th minute |
Team Lineups
USA:
9-Leah Glaser; 2-Cassidy Leake (capt.) (3-Annie Wickett, 26; 6-Isabella Stankunas, 48), 7-Catarina Guimaraes, 8-Kaia Spencer (4-Michelle Cross, 48), 10-Jesslyn Kuhnel.
Substitutes not used: 1-Rebecca Ostrander, 5-Joey Martin
Head Coach: Tricia Taliafero
AUS:
6-Katelyn Smith (capt.); 3-Tahlia Blanshard (4-Bec Jones, 42), 7-Eloise Northam, 8-Annmarie De Uriarte, 10-Georgia Beikoff (1-Carly Salmon, 50)
Substitutes not used: 2-Trinity McPhie, 5-Lainee Harrison, 9-Rae Anderson
Head Coach: Kelly Stirton
Referee and Misconduct
Referee: Shu Ting Yang (TPE)
Misconduct Summary: none
