The Women Eagles have made the Cup semi-finals for the first time this season after defeating Australia 10-0 in a tense quarterfinal. It took until after the final hooter when substitute Kristen Thomas scored in the corner to seal the dramatic win. The U.S. will now play either England or Russia in the semi-finals.
It didn't look like the Eagles would win the match early as Australia's Emilee Cherry went untouched for a try just seconds in. However, the U.S. defense, which was their strongest aspect of the match, stayed firm and kept Australia out of the try zone after Cherry's score. Australia certainly didn't help themselves with the number of silly penalties they committed and eventually had a player sent to the bin as a result. On the subsequent tap Bui Baravilala found Kathryn Johnson who put in a great dummy to even up the score.
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Australia nearly took the lead at the end of the half but a great hustle play from Lauren Doyle tracked down the Australian player and sent the match into the break knotted up. At the start of the second half Australia had all of the possession and territory but the U.S. defense continued to hold.
When the Eagles did have the ball they did a good job of holding on to possession and working their way down the field. However, like Australia, they weren't able to punch in a try. That changed with no time left on the clock as another Australian penalty gifted the Eagles a set play. A few phases later and after some great work by Doyle, Alev Kelter, and Megan Bonny, Thomas was able to cross over in the corner.
A win in the quarterfinals is exactly what the Eagles needed to jumpstart their season. As mentioned they had yet to make the semi-finals. Not only does this win mean they will pick up more Series points but it's also a great indicator that come Olympics time they can compete for a medal.
Starters: Bonny, Johnson, Fa'Avesi, Baravilala, Folayan, Kelter, Doyle