One of Australia’s rising soccer stars has copped a ball to the face during a nail-biting match against the team’s fiercest rivals.
Ellie Carpenter was lining up for the Matildas with the hope of a second-straight win over the United States, when the ball’s path took an unexpected turn.
The freak incident saw Carpenter attempt to block the kick by American rival Crystal Dunn, only to be caught square in the face.
One of Australia’s rising soccer stars, Ellie Carpenter has copped a ball to the face during a nail match biting against the team’s fiercest rivals
The 18-year-old was lining up for the Matildas with the hope of second-straight win over the United States, when the ball’s path took an unexpected turn
Following the blow, the 18-year-old dropped immediately to the ground before receiving a consolatory pat on the back from Dunn.
‘Ellie Carpenter had that ball fly up into her face off a Crystal Dunn clearance…absolutely vicious clearance,’ commentators said of the moment.
After laying motionless for several seconds, medics rushed to the teen’s aid and rendered assistance for a blood-nose.
Incredibly Carpenter managed to put the blow behind her and stayed on-field for the remainder of the game.
In total, she recorded 47 touches in its 90 minutes, winning five out of 10 duels and three out of four tackles.
Incredibly Carpenter (pictured) managed to put the blow behind her and stayed on-field for the remainder of the game
‘Ellie Carpenter had that ball fly up into her face off a Crystal Dunn clearance…absolutely vicious clearance,’ commentators said of the moment
After laying motionless for several seconds, medics rushed to the teen’s aid and rendered assistance for a blood-nose
However, the Matildas’ overall hopes of victory were dashed by an equalising 90th minute goal from their opponents resulting in a 1-1 draw at the Tournament of Nations.
Coach Alen Stajcic believed the Matildas were hard done by, with replays suggesting a US player touched the ball before it went out for the corner kick that led to the equaliser.
‘I thought it was a goal kick,’ Stajcic said.
‘They’re little moments that can sometimes affect the outcome of the game but it’s hard to argue the USA didn’t deserve a draw.’
While Carpenter soldiered on, the Matildas’ overall hopes of victory were dashed by an equalising 90th minute goal from their opponents resulting in a 1-1 draw at the Tournament of Nations
The Americans haven’t tasted defeat since the last time they met the Matildas in the same tournament a year ago.
It remains Australia’s only victory over the US in women’s soccer.
But should they meet again at next year’s Women’s World Cup in France.
The Matildas – who sit at No.8 in the world rankings – will be bullish about their chances after frustrating the star-studded American attack for nearly the whole match.
Australia round out their Tournament of Nations campaign on Friday morning against Japan, who defeated them 1-0 in the Women’s Asian Cup final in April.
The Matildas – who sit at No.8 in the world rankings – will be bullish about their chances after frustrating the star-studded American attack for nearly the whole match