Australia’s Joeys have ended the Nike International friendlies tournament losing 2-1 to England in their final match on Wednesday morning (AEDT) in Florida.
Following defeats to Brazil and USA and their first two games, Tony Vidmar’s side was hoping to finish on a bright note but unfortunately couldn’t make the most of some great chances which ultimately proved their undoing.
Joeys fall short against USA in Florida
The Joeys were well in the contest in the first half but found themselves training at the break to Ike Ugbo’s goal on 29 minutes.
Cameron Joice came on in the second half and made an immediate impact, equalizing 13 minutes after the break after superb lead-up work by Peter Kekeris.
But it was England who managed to find the winner, Jahmal Hector-Ingram volleying in Kyron Stabana’s right-wing cross 14 minutes from time.
To the Joeys credit they pushed hard for an equalizer and were unlucky not to get one in stoppage time.
Kekeris’ tried his luck from a free-kick 25 yards out, getting his shot up and over the wall but the ball crashed into the crossbar and away.
Despite failing to get a victory from their US trip the three matches against high-quality opponents will be just what Vidmar would have wanted ahead of next year’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile.
