The Qantas Matildas have followed up their scoreless draw against Olympic champions USA with a 2-0 victory over Mexico in their second tour match played today in El Paso, United States.
Late goals to striker Sarah Walsh and midfielder Sally Shipard ensured a hard-fought victory for the Australians in the match played at the Patriots Stadium.
The Qantas Matildas played two matches against the Mexicans last year for a win and a loss.
Coach Tom Sermanni making five changes to the starting line-up that took the field against the USA on Sunday.
The Qantas Matildas had the better of the first half with goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri not called into action until making a diving one-hand save just prior to the interval.
Earlier Joanne Peters who impressed in midfield for Australia forced a save from the Mexican goalkeeper on the 20 minute mark while a succession of corners saw chances fall to both Kate Gill and Thea Slatyer. Gill inches away from scoring a minute before half time with her header clipping the crossbar.
The Mexicans increased their intensity in the second half though it was the Australians who still looked the more likely to score though they had to wait until four minutes from time for the breakthrough.
Substitute Walsh got on the end of a ball played through from Heather Garriock and was able to direct a header over the advancing goalkeeper.
Shipard scored in the final minute of regular time from close range after superb work from Kylie Ledbrook who weaved her way down the left before threading a perfect pass behind the defence. Shipard celebrating her 18th birthday with her debut goal for the national team.
"It was a tough and hard fought match with the Mexicans proving to be very worthy opponents,” said Sermanni.
"Despite the win there were nevertheless some deficiencies that we need to work on for the next match and further down the track.
"Overall though a solid win especially given a fairly bumpy pitch and the rotation of players."
The tour providing ongoing preparation for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign with the qualifying tournament currently scheduled for mid-2006.
Australia will conclude their three-match tour against leading US semi-professional team Sacramento Storm on Sunday (Australian time).