Manchester United goalkeeper helps USA win international trophy

Manchester United players were in action across the international break this week, with several members of the squad representing their countries in important fixtures.

International tournaments often provide players with the chance to gain valuable experience on another stage away from club football.

Across the women’s game, one of the standout competitions during this period has once again been the SheBelieves Cup, an annual round-robin tournament held in the United States featuring some of the top national teams in the world.

With every match contributing to the final standings, the closing fixtures always carry added pressure as teams push to secure the trophy.

This year’s competition once again went down to the final round of matches, with the United States facing Colombia women’s national football team in the decisive game.

A tight encounter unfolded, with both sides searching for the breakthrough as the clock ticked towards the final stages.

Manchester United were represented in the match by goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who started between the posts for the hosts.

By the final whistle, the United States had done enough to secure a 1–0 victory, with Phallon Tullis-Joyce keeping a clean sheet to help her side lift the trophy.

The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute when Alyssa Thompson struck from the edge of the penalty area, her effort crashing in off the crossbar to finally break the deadlock.

The goal proved enough to seal the result and confirm the United States as champions, marking their eighth SheBelieves Cup title.

Tullis-Joyce’s involvement across the tournament reflected her growing presence within the national team setup under head coach Emma Hayes.

The Manchester United goalkeeper had been an unused substitute in the opening 2–0 win over Argentina women’s national football team, before returning to the starting XI for the clash with Canada women’s national soccer team.

That game also saw her come up against United teammate Simi Awujo before she kept her place in goal for the decisive meeting with Colombia in New Jersey.

The match carried an additional moment of recognition before kick-off, as former Manchester United forward Tobin Heath, a New Jersey native, was honoured with a tribute celebrating her retirement from professional football.

For Tullis-Joyce, the night marked an important milestone in her international career, especially as she injured her eye socket earlier in the season and didn’t look like playing for a while.

The victory represents her first senior international trophy, arriving less than a year after she earned her first cap for the United States in a friendly against Brazil women’s national football team last April.

The goalkeeper joined Manchester United Women in September 2023 from OL Reign, and this latest success only adds to her growing list of achievements as she continues to develop both at club and international level.