Pararoos succumb to USA

The Pararoos have put in a gallant display but gone down to the USA in the final match of their group games at the Intercontinental Cup.

The final match of the group stage was the most important for the Pararoos at the Intercontinental Cup. The USA, 2012 Olympians, had defeated Australia on the last two occasions the sides met, but a two goal win would ensure a World Championship birth for the Pararoos.

Australia started strongly with some great attacking combinations from Williams and Goodman down the left side. Australia taking it to the Americans in the opening exchanges, who were on the back foot for most of the first half.

The Pararoos penetrated well and slick passing between Williams and Pyne had Goodman free on the left with just the keeper to beat. Goodman-s shot hitting the crossbar to give the Americans the break they needed.

The USA pressured the Aussies on the counter, forcing some fine saves from goalkeeper Chris Barty to deny them the lead. Time and time again the Americans earned corner kicks only for Barty to dominate the space in his area, frustrating big USA forward McKinney.

Pararoos James Turner proved a handful for the Americans with his overlapping runs. A well worked play down the left side found Barber whose through ball set up Turner on the right with an open net. However once again the Americans were saved by the woodwork.

Five minutes before half time the USA were awarded yet another corner kick, but this time a scramble on the edge of the box saw Mckinney strike the ball past a number of bodies to take the USA one up.

In the second half, Australia played long balls out from the back and some great work in the air from Barber and Atkins found the Pararoos with a couple of two-on-one situations, which had to be nullified by a retreating American back-line.

Time was running out for the Aussies, but they pressed forward through Barber and Larkins-Law. With 15 minutes to go Australia started to gain some ascendency and had their opportunities with both Barber and Williams shooting wide.

With seconds to go the Americans sealed the three points after USA midfielder, Rentier beat Turner on the inside, striking home to double their advantage.

After the match Head Coach Paul Brown was once again left to rue his side's missed chances.

“We played well, but once again missed opportunities cost us.

"We played with passion and it was great to see my players mature and grow as the game went on.

"I thought James Turner was a standout except for the mishap at the end, but they did Australia proud and we are well on track for Rio."