The Qantas Matildas have drawn 0-0 against Olympic champions USA in an international match played at Titan Stadium, Fullarton, California this morning.
The result follows a 1-1 draw on the last occasion the two nations met in the group stage of the Olympic Games last year in Thessaloniki. Prior to that match Australia had failed to draw or defeat the USA in 15 previous encounters.
It is the first time that the USA had been kept scoreless for 40 international matches and also halts a run of eight straight victories.
Australia started brightly and within the first ten minutes Collette McCallum and Alicia Ferguson had fired wide of the target before Sarah Walsh broke clear of the defence only to see her shot saved.
USA captain Kristine Lilly came closest to scoring for the home side when her 75th minute free kick clipped the top of the Australian crossbar.
Australian could then have gone ahead in the 85th minute when a defensive mix-up saw substitute Selin Kuralay denied only by a last clearance by a covering defender.
Whilst both teams had several opportunities to score throughout the match Australian goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri was only rarely called on to make a save with the Australian defence of Thea Slatyer, Rhian Davies, Heather Garriock and captain Cheryl Salisbury remaining resolute throughout. The dying minutes saw the home team increase the pressure with a goal-line clearance by Ferguson helping to ensure the match finished level.
"I'm very happy with our performance today especially given our travel schedule and the obvious pedigree of the opposition," said Qantas Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.
"We limited the USA to just a few good chances in the entire match which is testament to some terrific defending on our part but at the same time we also looked comfortable when we had possession."
It was the first outing of a three-match tour for the Qantas Matildas with further matches against Mexico and leading US semi-professional team Sacramento Storm to follow.
The tour provides ongoing preparation for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign with the qualifying tournament likely to be held mid-2006.