Panama delivers Matildas shock defeat as new-look Aussie team struggles
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The Matildas have been shocked by Panama, suffering a 1-0 defeat in wet and wild conditions at Hands Oval in Bunbury.
Despite dominating every statistic across the park, the hosts were stunned by a counterblow from 19-year-old Panama super sub Sherline King in the 59th minute of their first friendly match.
Australia, ranked much higher at 15th in the world compared to Panama's 56th, enjoyed the lion's share of possession but were unable to make anything stick in the hard-fought contest.
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Kaitlyn Torpey of the Matildas reacts after a foul against Panama. James Worsfold via Getty Images
Following Australia's 3-0 and 1-1 results in its series against Slovenia last week, Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Winonah Heatley, Alana Kennedy and Jada Whyman departed camp in place of a raft of fresh faces.
Joining the squad specifically for the two-game series against the Central American country, Grace Kuilamu, Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, Adriana Taranto and Alexia Apostolakis were named on the bench, as new coach Joe Montemurro used the extended international window to assess a wider pool of players.
In her fourth international appearance, midfielder Alana Murphy made her starting debut before all four newcomers achieved their maiden international caps in the second half.
In concerning scenes for the Matildas, veteran midfielder Chloe Berryhill (née Logarzo) suffered a knee injury late in the opening half.
Having previously ruptured her ACL in 2021, Berryhill immediately clutched at her right knee following crunching contact in a sliding tackle from Gonzalez.
The 30-year-old was able to stand up and walk to the sidelines with the Matildas' medical staff. Fortunately, Berryhill rejoined the game just in time for the half-time whistle.
Chloe Berryhill suffers a knee complaint in the Matildas' first international friendly against Panama. Paramount+
There was drama in the opening minutes of the match as Panama's goalkeeper Yenith Bailey went down with what looked like a serious knee injury as the Matildas' Holly McNamara made an early cross.
Bailey collided with one of her teammates in the goal area, with replays showing a clear hyperextension of her knee.
Play was stopped as the stretcher was brought on for Bailey. She was replaced by Farissa Cordoba.
First-half yellow cards were handed out to Panama's Deysire Salazar and Wendy Natis, and the Matildas' Hayley Raso, who left her foot in the path of opposing player Marta Cox.
Both teams had opportunities with space, corners and penalties in the first half, but neither could convert as the teams went toe-to-toe.
The Matildas were assertive in defence as Panama closed in with aggression.
The stretcher was needed again in the second half as Salazar sustained an ankle injury.
Australian goalkeeper Teagan Micah was wiped out by a heavy landing as she attempted to fist the ball out of danger.
While she was able to get to her feet and carry on momentarily, she was later replaced by Chloe Lincoln in goal.
Moments after Micah's crash, forced substitute King found the back of the net for Panama.
Micah blocked the initial strike from Cox, but the follow-up was not dealt with as King took advantage of the rebound.
Panama teammates celebrate Sherline Marie King Perea second-half goal. James Worsfold via Getty Images
This caused new coach Montemurro to pull the trigger on his changes, bringing on Taranto for Berryhill and Raso making way for Michelle Heyman.
Later, Galabadaarachchi came on for Emily Gielnik and Alex Chidiac was replaced by Emily van Egmond. Teenagers Kuilamu and Apostolakis soon followed suit to round out the blooding of debutants.
While the Matildas searched for a response, they came up trumps.
Heyman had the pick of the chances. The veteran striker had the ball land at her feet, but she leaned back too far and skied the ball over the crossbar.
Panama's midfield was stacked with yellow cards, as another two were handed out to Hilary Jaen and Schiandra González in the second half. Taranto was also carded for Australia.
The result sets the scene for game two of the series against Panama on Tuesday night. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm AEST in Perth.
