Tokyo Olympics: Naeher, USWNT advance to knockout rounds

Team USA's Samantha Mewis (3) battles with Australia Mary Fowler during Tuesday's 0-0 draw. (Getty Images)

The U.S. Women’s National Team drew Australia 0-0 in its final group stage match of the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, clinching a spot in the knockout rounds. The result gave the USA a second-place finish in Group G and a berth to the quarterfinals against the winner of Group F, likely either Netherlands or Brazil. The match will be played in Yokohama at International Stadium Yokohama, just south of Tokyo, on Friday at 7 a.m. ET.

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (Stratford, Conn.) stopped three shots on goal to preserve the draw. Two other native New Englanders — midfielders Kristie Mewis (Hanson, Mass.) and Sam Mewis (Hanson, Mass.) — contributed to the effort.

After an impressive 6-1 victory vs. New Zealand on Saturday, the U.S. faced a tough challenge from Australia, who was led by former USWNT assistant coach Tony Gustavsson. In an evenly matched affair in which the USA had the better chances from the run of play, Alex Morgan threatened first for the USA when she split the defense on a nice counterattacking run inside the first 10 minutes, but Australia goalkeeper Teagan Micah saved her shot.