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Why, for long-term gains, USWNT may be better off losing winter friendlies in Australia

The U.S. women's national team is doing something it traditionally doesn't do very often: It's heading overseas to play a pair of friendlies against a tough opponent on hostile turf. In this case, it's Australia, a team that's been steadily on the rise thanks to the talent of players like Samantha Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Ellie Carpenter.

Fresh off a disappointing Olympics over the summer, these games -- on Friday at 11 p.m. ET and then Tuesday at 4: 05 a,m. ET (stream the second match LIVE on ESPN) won't be easy for the USWNT, but that's the whole point.