Australia will have to forge ahead without backline fixture Ellie Carpenter after the Matildas’ defender picked up a red card in the team’s semifinal loss to Sweden.
I am so proud to be a part of this team and playing for Australia. I left it all out there last night and I am so heartbroken I will not be able to be on the pitch for the bronze medal match, but I have 100% belief in this team; I always have and always will. LET’S GO 🥉💪🏽💚💛— Ellie Carpenter (@CarpenterEllie) August 3, 2021
I am so proud to be a part of this team and playing for Australia. I left it all out there last night and I am so heartbroken I will not be able to be on the pitch for the bronze medal match, but I have 100% belief in this team; I always have and always will. LET’S GO 🥉💪🏽💚💛
Carpenter was ejected from Monday’s game during second-half stoppage time after pulling Sweden’s Lina Hurtig down from behind. The late-game red card means Carpenter will be suspended from Australia’s bronze-medal match against the United States.
The 21-year-old has proved to be a defensive anchor for the Matildas, earning her 50th cap during Australia’s Olympic run in Tokyo.
The Matildas bronze-medal matchup against the USWNT will air live at 4 am ET on Thursday on the USA Network.