USA Claims 2025 IFCPF Intercontinental Cup with Dominant Win Over Australia
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LOUGHBOROUGH, england (Aug. 23, 2025) – The U.S. Women’s Cerebral Palsy (CP) National Team earned a decisive 7-1 victory against Australia on saturday, securing the 2025 IFCPF Intercontinental cup title. A hat trick from Jesslyn Kuhnel, a brace from captain Cassidy Leake, and goals from Kaia Spencer and Joey Martin propelled the team to victory. This win marks the CP WNT’s second major trophy,adding to their inaugural IFCPF Women’s World Cup title from 2022.
The CP WNT’s success in the Intercontinental Cup underscores U.S. Soccer’s commitment to the “U.S.Way,” investing in resources and support for its Extended National Teams to ensure global competitiveness.
The USA finished the competition with a perfect 5W-0L-0D record, boasting an impressive goal difference of 41-2. Notably, they achieved back-to-back wins against Australia, repeating their success in the 2022 and 2024 IFCPF world Cup finals – a particularly sweet victory after falling to Australia in the 2024 World Cup Final. Kuhnel finished as the competition’s leading scorer with 12 goals, earning the Golden Boot, while Leake was named the tournament’s Moast valuable Player.
WATCH: USA 7, Australia 1
The USA wasted no time establishing dominance, with Kaia Spencer’s early run and shot leading to Jesslyn Kuhnel’s opening goal just 37 seconds into the match. A minute later, a handball outside the penalty area awarded the USA a free kick, which captain Cassidy Leake expertly converted to extend the lead to 2-0.
Leake continued to shine, showcasing individual brilliance in the ninth minute. Receiving a pass from Spencer, she skillfully navigated past Australian defenders before slotting a low shot into the left post for her second goal of the match and fifth of the competition.
Australia threatened to respond with a shot from Georgia Beikoff that hit the post, but the USA quickly countered with a fourth goal in the 12th minute. Leake’s driving run and pass found Kuhnel, who one-timed the ball past the Australian goalkeeper for her second goal.
The fifth goal showcased the team’s cohesive play, involving all five U.S. players in a flowing buildup initiated by a short goal kick from Yale to Leake,and culminating in Kuhnel completing her hat trick.
USA Defeats Australia 1-0 in International Kind
The United States Women’s National Team defeated Australia 1-0 in an international friendly match on august 24, 2025. Joey Martin scored the lone goal for the USA in the 35th minute, securing the victory. The match served as a valuable readiness opportunity for both teams.
Match Details
The game was played with a competitive spirit, as evidenced by the stats summary.the USA dominated posession and offensive opportunities, recording 20 shots to Australia’s 12. both goalkeepers were equal to the task, making 5 saves apiece. The USA also earned 2 corner kicks compared to none for Australia, and committed fewer fouls (1 vs. 3).
Australia’s Tamsin Colley received a caution in the 11th minute.
Lineups and Substitutions
USA:
Starting XI: Echo Yale (GK) (subbed 48′ Gabby Scotto), Cassidy Leake (Capt.), Annie Wickett (subbed 34′ Michelle Cross), Michelle Cross (subbed 26′ Joey Martin), Kaia Spencer (subbed 41′ Leah Glaser), Jesslyn Kuhnel (subbed 26′ Janie Richardson)
Substitutes Not Used: None
Head Coach: Tricia Taliaferro
Australia:
Starting XI: Carly Salmon, Trinity McPhie (subbed 38′ Karina Grigorian), Tahlia BlanShard (Capt.) (subbed 25+1′ Tams Colley), Laine Harrison (subbed 8′ Georgia Beikoff), Annmarie de Uriarte
Substitutes Not Used: None
Head Coach: Alicia Ferguson
Stats Summary
| Statistic | USA | AUS |
|—————–|—–|—–|
| Shots | 20 | 12 |
| Saves | 5 | 5 |
| Corner Kicks | 2 | 0 |
| Fouls | 1 | 3 |
Key Takeaways
The USA demonstrated offensive prowess with a important shot advantage. Both teams showcased strong defensive performances,resulting in a low-scoring affair.
Joey Martin’s goal proved to be the decisive factor in the match.
The match provided valuable playing time and experience for both squads.
This friendly match offered both the USA and Australia a chance to assess their players and tactical approaches ahead of future competitions. The USA will look to build on this victory, while Australia will aim to refine their game plan and prepare for upcoming challenges.