41 seconds—that’s all it took for Lynn Biyendolo to score for the USWNT in Matchday 2 of the SheBelieves Cup against Australia. Straight from the kick-off, mind you. While it may officially count as her 22nd goal for the American ladies, it holds special significance as her first since changing her last name from Williams to Biyendolo. But even though Lynn sees it as a ‘new chapter’ to score with a new last name, she finds it ‘ironic’ that it happened against her husband’s country.

That surely is one ethical conundrum, isn’t it? Well, that’s how things are in life. But Lynn likes to see it from a different perspective. The Seattle Reign forward is pleased to not only get registered on the scoresheet with a new surname but simultaneously help her nation get a crucial goal.

“I’m feeling like this is a new chapter for me,” began Biyendolo during the half-time interview with TNT Sports, courtesy of @SportArenYT. “I changed teams in my NWSL career, changed last name, but more importantly, I’m so excited to wear the crest and hopefully help my country,” added the 31-year-old. Though Lynn seemed quite optimistic about her first goal, the same couldn’t be said for her husband, Marley.

The former Gotham FC forward appeared somewhat skeptical when asked how Marley, who hails from Australia, felt about her goal. Of course, scoring under the name Biyendolo might sound good to her significant other, but against his home country? Well, not exactly music to his ears, right? “He’s really really excited. He probably doesn’t like it against Australia but ironic.”

Notably, the last time Lynn scored a goal while carrying Williams at her back was in December. The NWSL forward’s strike proved favorable during a friendly 2-1 win over the Netherlands. Coincidentally, this is exactly the scoreline through which the USWNT won today as well. After Biyendolo’s early goal, the USWNT remained in the driving seat throughout the first half.

It was minutes after the hour mark when Michelle Cooper scored her first goal for the Stars and Stripes to double the lead. Things remained hopeful for American fans to see more strikes from the hosts. However, the Matildas weren’t keen to finish the game without scoring any goal. Substitute Michelle Heyman finally broke the deadlock for Australia, proving as a consolation. The final whistle blew as the match ended 2-1.

Indeed, the former Williams must be thrilled to help her side win the game. But coming back, while one might expect some awkwardness when she returns home, her husband Marley has rather some mixed feelings!

Husband Marley takes pride in Lynn Biyendolo’s USWNT goal against Australia

Even though he’s from Australia, Marley Biyendolo had to cheer for his wife as she opened her account for the USWNT. Hysterically, the basketball star was seen doing so while donning a Matildas shirt. The moment Lynn scored, he immediately grabbed his phone to record his entire reaction and post it on Instagram. His caption read, “Nah, we’re TURNT UP to start the week, ladies & gentlemen 🤷🏻‍♂️🇦🇺.”

Speaking of his reaction, Marley was particularly thrilled when he heard the commentary say, “The Australian connection is strong and unfortunately…” Hearing this, Mr. Husband pointed to himself, clearly pleased—not just because the commentator subtly acknowledged him but also because they referred to Lynn by her new surname, Biyendolo, making him even prouder.

“Commentator got the last name so right,” Marley said in the clip shared on his Instagram story. “Thank you… just let me hear it again. You’re just so on. Who’s commentating this one? Truly… cause I need to give you a firm handshake, my brother. Thank you… I mean, come on!”

Interestingly, Marley had a moment of doubt, thinking Lynn’s goal might be disallowed due to offside. He even wrote in the same story, “& @lynnwilliams I need you on side.” But once the goal stood, his disbelief turned into pure joy, watching his partner shine on the pitch.

The admiration didn’t stop there. Marley shared Lynn’s goal in a second story, writing in awe, “😭😭😭 In 41 seconds???” Then, in a final story, he acknowledged another significant milestone—Biyendolo’s goal was the fastest scored by a USWNT player (excluding own goals). She surpassed Ashley Hatch, who netted within 24 seconds against Australia in 2021.

Overall, it’s safe to say Marley fully approved of Lynn Biyendolo scoring for the USWNT—even against his own country. Quite a momentous and ironic way to score your first goal under your husband’s last name, eh?