The Qantas Matildas continued their Olympic preparations yesterday (Aust time) with a 1-0 loss to FC Indiana Select in Goshen, Indiana.
It was the visitors' first game since their long journey north from Mexico, but a welcome contest as the kickoff to the Olympics draws ever closer.
FC Indiana scored what proved to be the winning goal midway through the second half in what was a fairly tight contest.
The first half saw chances created at both ends, with FC Indiana, a Women's Premier Soccer League team, making the Australians work hard.
Pacy striker Lisa De Vanna had Australia's best opportunity on goal for the first half, but with the goalkeeper beaten, the shot was cleared by the defence in the 33rd minute. Four minutes later, Indiana's Jennie Moppert almost broke the deadlock with a cracking strike from the edge of the box, but Qantas Matildas keeper Melissa Barbieri kept was able to tip it around the post.
FC Indiana were rewarded for their efforts in the 65th minute when they took the lead. A cross into the danger area resulted in a goalmouth scramble, and an attempt was made by an Australian defender to clear Amanda Cinalli's shot off the goal-line but it found its way into the back of the net.
Australia's Barbieri made a great save with ten minutes remaining, before teammate Sarah Walsh was set up on goal at the other end, but was unable to put away the equaliser.
The Qantas Matildas now turn their attention to their final two games before the Olympics, firstly against the US Adult Soccer Association Select on 18 July in Milwaukee, and then finishing off with a clash against the superstar US National Team on 21 July in Blaine, Minnesota.
"Indiana are a very good team," said National Coach Adrian Santrac of yesterday's match. "This was a timely hitout after the experience in Mexico and our long, tiring trek from there. This was the right type of session we needed before focusing on the next two important games."