USA Women vs. Australia Women Prediction and Betting Tips

The USA Women vs. Australia Women match is part of the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, scheduled for February 23, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The USWNT, ranked world number one, recently won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while Australia, ranked 15th, had a mixed Olympic performance, finishing third in their group.

Team Strengths and Key Players

• USWNT: Boasts players like Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and captain Lindsey Horan, with a strong defense led by Emily Sonnett.
• Australia: Key players include Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley, but lacks injured star Sam Kerr, affecting their attack.

Prediction and Betting Tips

Given the USWNT’s recent form and historical dominance, they are predicted to win. Betting odds suggest:

• USWNT to win: -200
• Draw: +300
• Australia to win: +400 Consider bets on over 2.5 goals (-150) and Trinity Rodman as first goal scorer (+300).

Comprehensive Analysis

The upcoming clash between the USA Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) and the Australia Women’s National Soccer Team (Matildas) in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup is poised to be a highlight of the women’s soccer calendar. Scheduled for February 23, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, this match not only pits two historically strong teams against each other but also offers a platform for betting enthusiasts to engage with the game through various markets. This analysis will delve into team performances, head-to-head records, key player insights, predictions, and betting strategies, ensuring a thorough understanding for fans and bettors alike.

Match Context and Importance

The SheBelieves Cup, now in its tenth edition, is an invitational tournament hosted by the United States, featuring top teams like Japan and Colombia alongside Australia. For the USWNT, this match is an opportunity to continue their dominance, having won the last five editions of the cup. Australia, making their debut in this tournament, aims to make an impact following a fourth-place finish at the 2023 World Cup but a less impressive group stage exit at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The match kicks off at 5:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. MT, broadcast on TBS, Universo, Max, Peacock, and Westwood One, ensuring wide accessibility for viewers (US Soccer Official Website).

Team Analysis

USA Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT)

The USWNT enters this match as the reigning Olympic champions, having clinched gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a 1-0 victory over Brazil. This success underscores their current form, with a squad that blends experienced players and emerging talents. Their roster for the SheBelieves Cup, announced on February 11, 2025, includes 23 players, with 12 from the Olympic gold medal team (US Soccer Official Website). Key players include:

• Trinity Rodman: A 22-year-old forward with 43 caps, known for her speed and scoring, notably scoring in the 2024 Olympics against Australia.
• Sophia Smith: The 2023 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, with 23 goals in 45 appearances, offering creativity and goal-scoring prowess.
• Lindsey Horan: The captain with 152 caps, a midfield anchor whose leadership is crucial, though not included in the latest starting XI against Colombia.
• Emily Sonnett: A defender with 100 caps, honored for her milestone in this tournament, providing defensive stability.
• Jane Campbell: Goalkeeper with 8 appearances, stepping up in recent matches with clean sheets.

The team’s strengths lie in their depth, with players from top leagues like the NWSL and Europe, and their ability to control games through possession and pressing. However, they can be vulnerable to counter-attacks if overcommitted offensively, as seen in past matches.

Australia Women’s National Soccer Team (Matildas)

Australia, ranked 15th by FIFA, had a mixed 2024, with a notable 6-5 win over Zambia in the Olympics but exits in the group stage after losses to Germany (0-3) and the US (1-2). Their squad for the SheBelieves Cup, also 23 players, is led by interim coach Tom Sermanni, with a significant absence of captain and all-time leading scorer Sam Kerr, sidelined by a knee injury (Stars and Stripes FC). Key players include:

• Caitlin Foord: A forward with 115 caps, known for her speed and versatility, playing for Arsenal in the WSL.
• Steph Catley: Left-back with 109 caps, captain in Kerr’s absence, offering defensive solidity and set-piece expertise.
• Ellie Carpenter: Right-back with 75 caps, known for her attacking runs, playing for Lyon.
• Alanna Kennedy: Center-back with 120 caps, crucial for defensive organization, scored in the recent Olympic loss to the US.
• Lydia Williams: Goalkeeper with 103 caps, experienced but facing a tough challenge against the US attack.

Australia’s strengths include resilience and a balanced squad, with seven players from the domestic A-League and others from the WSL and NWSL. Their weakness is the midfield, which can be outmuscled, and the absence of Kerr significantly impacts their attacking threat.

Head-to-Head Record

The historical record between these teams is heavily skewed in favor of the USWNT, with 35 all-time meetings resulting in 28 wins for the US, 1 for Australia, and 6 draws (AiScore). Their most recent encounter on July 31, 2024, at the Olympics saw the US win 2-1, with goals from Trinity Rodman and Korbin Albert, despite a late consolation from Alanna Kennedy (US Soccer Official Website). This dominance suggests the US has a psychological edge, though Australia has shown competitiveness in recent years, notably in their 2023 World Cup semi-final run.

Current Form

• USWNT: Post-Olympics, the USWNT opened the SheBelieves Cup with a 2-0 win over Colombia on February 20, 2025, with goals from Catarina Macario and Ally Sentnor, showcasing their attacking depth (US Soccer Official Website). Their form is strong, with a perfect group stage at the Olympics (three wins, nine goals scored).
• Australia: Australia’s recent form includes a 1-0 loss to Japan in their SheBelieves Cup opener on February 20, 2025, highlighting their struggle without Kerr. Their 2024 results show wins against weaker teams like Chinese Taipei (6-0, 3-1) but losses to Brazil (1-3, 1-2), indicating inconsistency (Matildas Official Website).

Key Players to Watch

USWNT:

• Trinity Rodman: With 43 caps and recent Olympic goals, her pace and finishing are vital.
• Sophia Smith: Her dribbling and goal-scoring (23 goals in 45 caps) can unlock defenses.
• Lindsey Horan: Midfield control and leadership, though potentially rested after recent matches.
• Emily Sonnett: Defensive rock, especially important for her 100th cap milestone.

Australia:

• Caitlin Foord: Arsenal’s forward, crucial for creating chances, with 115 caps.
• Steph Catley: Leadership and defensive stability, captain in Kerr’s absence.
• Ellie Carpenter: Lyon’s right-back, known for attacking contributions.
• Alanna Kennedy: Recent scorer against the US, vital for defense.

Prediction

Based on historical dominance, recent form, and home advantage, the USWNT is favored to win. Their Olympic gold and SheBelieves Cup opening win suggest they are in top shape, while Australia’s absence of Kerr and recent losses indicate a tougher challenge. Predicted score: USA 2-1 Australia, with the US likely to control possession and exploit Australia’s midfield vulnerabilities.

Betting Tips and Odds

Betting markets for this match, based on historical odds and current form, include:

Match Winner:

• USA to win: Odds around -200 (bet $200 to win $100), reflecting their favoritism.
• Draw: Odds around +300 (bet $100 to win $300), possible given Australia’s resilience.
• Australia to win: Odds around +400 (bet $100 to win $400), a long shot due to Kerr’s absence.

Total Goals:

• Over 2.5 goals: Odds around -150, given both teams’ recent scoring trends.
• Under 2.5 goals: Odds around +120, if defenses hold firm.

First Goal Scorer:

• Trinity Rodman: Odds around +300, based on her recent form.
• Caitlin Foord: Odds around +400, Australia’s best chance for an early goal.

Correct Score:

• USA 2-1 Australia: Odds around +450, aligning with recent head-to-head trends.

These odds are illustrative, as specific odds for February 23, 2025, may vary by bookmaker. Bettors should check platforms like Oddspedia for live odds (Oddspedia).

Conclusion

The USA Women vs. Australia Women match in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup is set for an exciting showdown, with the USWNT favored to continue their dominance. Australia’s challenge is significant, especially without Sam Kerr, but their key players like Foord and Catley could make it competitive. For bettors, backing the US to win with over 2.5 goals offers a balanced approach, while Rodman’s scoring potential adds value to first goal scorer bets. This match promises high stakes and entertainment, reflecting the growing global interest in women’s soccer.