Logarzo’s Late Arrival Sparks Australia's Rally Over Great Britain in Extra Time

KASHIMA, Japan (July 30, 2021) — Kansas City NWSL midfielder Chloe Logarzo played a part in Australian Olympic history on Friday morning. For the first time in the history of Australia women’s soccer, the team will have the opportunity to play for an Olympic medal following a 4-3 victory over Great Britain. Logarzo played a significant role in that effort, coming in the match as a substitute with Australia trailing 2-1 in the 88th minute. 

Logarzo’s fresh legs were key as Australia rallied and eventually won in extra time, but for a good portion of the match it appeared the Matildas were once again heading towards an early Olympic exit. Great Britain dominated the match early on and forced a couple of saves in the opening 30 minutes from Australia goalkeeper Teagan Micah. Australia weathered the early storm and began settling into the match over the remainder of the first half and were rewarded for it. Defender Alanna Kennedy put Australia in front in the 35th minute after a downwards header following a cross from forward Sam Kerr. 

Australia took a 1-0 lead into halftime and began the second half by creating a couple of chances but couldn’t put anything on goal. Following Australian dominance for the first 10 minutes of the second half, the match began to swing back in Great Britain’s favor. In the 57th minute, Great Britain winger Lauren Hemp whipped in a cross that found forward Ellen White’s head at the penalty spot, and White’s ensuing header looped over Micah’s head and leveled the score. White struck again nine minutes later in what appeared to be the decisive goal, pouncing on a ball that wasn’t properly cleared following a long throw-in and slotting it into the back of the net.  

One minute after Logarzo came on the field, a moment of brilliance from Kerr tied the game at two in the 89th minute. Kerr settled the ball well in Great Britain’s 18-yard box following a long ball and fired the ball past Great Britan goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck and three backtracking defenders to send the game to extra time.  

The action only intensified in extra time. In the 101st minute, Great Britain winger Nikita Paris was brought down inside the 18-yard box. Great Britian midfielder Caroline Weir stepped up to try and hand her team a lead, but her penalty was comfortably saved by Micah. Minutes later, 18-year-old Australia attacking midfielder Mary Fowler hit a half-volley from 25 yards out that took a massive deflection and sailed into the goal to give Australia a 3-2 lead in the 103rd minute.  

Australia came out firing in the second half of extra time, and Kerr gave Australia some insurance with a headed goal from inside the 18-yard box following a cross in the 106th minute. White did get her hat trick in the 115th minute on yet another headed goal following a corner kick, but Great Britain’s late push ultimately fell short, and Australia emerged victorious 4-3.  

Logarzo and Australia now face Sweden in Monday’s Olympic Semifinal round. Australia, like Kansas City NWSL midfielder Desiree Scott and Canada, are guaranteed to play for a medal with the winners of both semifinals meeting in the Gold Medal Match and the losers of both semifinals meeting in the Bronze Medal Match. Australia and Sweden met in Group G play earlier in the tournament, and Sweden beat Australia 4-2 on July 24. The two sides are set to rematch at 6:00 a.m. CT on Monday, August 2.  

KASHIMA, Japan (July 30, 2021) — Kansas City NWSL midfielder Chloe Logarzo played a part in Australian Olympic history on Friday morning. For the first time in the history of Australia women’s soccer, the team will have the opportunity to play for an Olympic medal following a 4-3 victory over Great Britain. Logarzo played a significant role in that effort, coming in the match as a substitute with Australia trailing 2-1 in the 88th minute. 

Logarzo’s fresh legs were key as Australia rallied and eventually won in extra time, but for a good portion of the match it appeared the Matildas were once again heading towards an early Olympic exit. Great Britain dominated the match early on and forced a couple of saves in the opening 30 minutes from Australia goalkeeper Teagan Micah. Australia weathered the early storm and began settling into the match over the remainder of the first half and were rewarded for it. Defender Alanna Kennedy put Australia in front in the 35th minute after a downwards header following a cross from forward Sam Kerr. 

Australia took a 1-0 lead into halftime and began the second half by creating a couple of chances but couldn’t put anything on goal. Following Australian dominance for the first 10 minutes of the second half, the match began to swing back in Great Britain’s favor. In the 57th minute, Great Britain winger Lauren Hemp whipped in a cross that found forward Ellen White’s head at the penalty spot, and White’s ensuing header looped over Micah’s head and leveled the score. White struck again nine minutes later in what appeared to be the decisive goal, pouncing on a ball that wasn’t properly cleared following a long throw-in and slotting it into the back of the net.  

One minute after Logarzo came on the field, a moment of brilliance from Kerr tied the game at two in the 89th minute. Kerr settled the ball well in Great Britain’s 18-yard box following a long ball and fired the ball past Great Britan goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck and three backtracking defenders to send the game to extra time.  

The action only intensified in extra time. In the 101st minute, Great Britain winger Nikita Paris was brought down inside the 18-yard box. Great Britian midfielder Caroline Weir stepped up to try and hand her team a lead, but her penalty was comfortably saved by Micah. Minutes later, 18-year-old Australia attacking midfielder Mary Fowler hit a half-volley from 25 yards out that took a massive deflection and sailed into the goal to give Australia a 3-2 lead in the 103rd minute.  

Australia came out firing in the second half of extra time, and Kerr gave Australia some insurance with a headed goal from inside the 18-yard box following a cross in the 106th minute. White did get her hat trick in the 115th minute on yet another headed goal following a corner kick, but Great Britain’s late push ultimately fell short, and Australia emerged victorious 4-3.  

Logarzo and Australia now face Sweden in Monday’s Olympic Semifinal round. Australia, like Kansas City NWSL midfielder Desiree Scott and Canada, are guaranteed to play for a medal with the winners of both semifinals meeting in the Gold Medal Match and the losers of both semifinals meeting in the Bronze Medal Match. Australia and Sweden met in Group G play earlier in the tournament, and Sweden beat Australia 4-2 on July 24. The two sides are set to rematch at 6:00 a.m. CT on Monday, August 2.