By Shane Saroya – EMTV Sports, Port Moresby
The Japan women’s Under-20 side continued their tri-nation winning streak after thumping rivals USA 5 goals to nil at the Sir John Guises stadium in Port Moresby.
Team USA was left scoreless at the full time whistle by a very technical Japan team that outplayed the stars and stripes to stamp their mark as defending champions.
It all started in the early stages of the first half when Japan’s star striker, Juri Kawano, nailed the first for Japan after she was denied by USA Goal Keeper, Rose Chandler.
As the game progressed, USA were not given room to move the ball, Japan were clinical in their passing game and made USA work hard.
On the 38th minute, Japan’s counter attack proved menacing as midfielder, Wakaho Kanda, scored Japan’s second. USA however, gaining momentum from several saves by Chandler dying Japan from scoring, advanced down the line for a few moments but couldn’t get passed Japan’s impenetrable defence.
Japan’s clinical one-tow touches were on display when Miyabi Moriya and Juri Kawano combine to set up striker Yuki Mizutani to nail Japan’s third at half time..
USA came back in the second half with some fighting spirit with midfielder, Kellie Hedge, setting up Ashley Sanchez with a shot at goal but was called off-side.
But that was to not enough, Japan hit back with Juri Kawano getting her second of the night with a perfect volley over Chandler.
The final blow came at the last quarter of the match when Japan’s Miyabi Moriya was brought down in the penalty box and Kawano stepped up to take the penalty, sealing a 5 goal trashing over team USA.
USA will take on PNG in the final match of the Tri-nation series on Monday at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
