Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Matildas suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Mexico at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday night, with Diana Ordonez scoring in the 92nd minute to seal the friendly.
The defeat was Australia’s second straight loss on home soil after their AFC Women’s Asian Cup final defeat to Japan in March, and leaves Joe Montemurro’s side searching for a response before Tuesday’s rematch in Sydney.
For more build-up to the series, read Matildas Turn To Inside Mexico Knowledge Ahead Of Newcastle Friendly.
Ordonez Punishes Matildas Late
Ordonez came off the bench and finished low into the bottom left corner after a clever pass from Alice Soto, giving Mexico only their second win over the Matildas.
The 28th-ranked visitors had threatened late through Charlyn Corral and Greta Espinoza, before Ordonez delivered the decisive moment in front of 23,167 fans.
“Disappointing to concede a goal at the end but I think we had enough chances to finish the game ourselves,” Matildas forward Mary Fowler said on Paramount+.
“It’s all good prep for the World Cup, it’s good to play teams like this who will challenge us in different ways.
“We will get back, review the game and go from there.”
Australia Rue Final-Third Issues
Australia had 61 per cent possession and 19 shots to Mexico’s 12, but struggled to turn territory into clear chances.
Sam Kerr had a major opening in the 87th minute, but Espinoza’s strong tackle denied the Matildas captain a clean shot.
Caitlin Foord said Australia needed more quality near goal.
“We know how important these games are for our rankings as well so extremely disappointed especially when we dominated, I feel, most of it,” Foord said.
“We were just missing the final third. And myself included, the last pass, it just wasn’t there and that’s something we need to be better at going into the next game and just more shots as well.”
Ellie Carpenter marked her 100th Matildas appearance and nearly set up Foord before halftime. Official team updates are available through the Matildas website.