Goalkeeper Casey Murphy shines in first USWNT start

Goalkeeper Casey Murphy put on an explosive performance in her international debut for the USWNT, shutting out a lively Australian side on Friday to secure the 3-0 win.

The North Carolina Courage goalie was put to the test early, making a series of critical saves to end the first half.

First, Sam Kerr let off a screamer from distance, forcing Murphy to make a fingertip save in the 33^rd minute.

.@CaseyMurph looking like a vet in her first cap 🧤 pic.twitter.com/2A6NIopzy5

— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) November 27, 2021

Kerr then challenged Murphy again in the 44^th minute, with the U.S. keeper denying the Matildas star from close range.

🙅‍♀️ @CaseyMurph 🙅‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/ES8GPXhuJy

— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) November 27, 2021

Murphy made a total of eight saves on the night, earning her the Budweiser Woman of the Match honors. Friday’s shutout marks the first time a USWNT goalkeeper notched a shutout in their debut since Alyssa Naeher did it in 2014 against Argentina.

Following the match, USWNT coach Vlakto Andonovski praised Murphy’s presence in net, saying “(she) gave a lot of confidence to the backline, gave a lot of confidence to the coaching staff too.”

Murphy, who stands at 6’1” and is just 25 years old, has excelled in the NWSL and could now be playing her way into a regular role with the USWNT.

On Casey Murphy's performance at the tail end of the first half, Andonovski said the team relied on her saves: "(she) gave a lot of confidence to the backline, gave a lot of confidence to the coaching staff too. We were a little calmer at that point too." #USWNT

— Meg Linehan (@itsmeglinehan) November 27, 2021

Next up: The USWNT will face off against Australia again on Tuesday at 4:05 a.m. ET on ESPN.