Japan beats US Women team 4-0 - USA vs. Japan Five Test Hockey Series
Japanese Senior Women Hockey Team surprised US by defeating them by 4-0, in the fourth match of the five test series, played at the Olympic Training Centre in Chula Vista, California, on April 27.
This was Japan’s first win in the series after two defeats and a tie against the host nation. The visitors will now be looking to capitalise on the momentum they have gained in the last match.
The match was played with full pace and with four minutes left in the first half, the maiden goal of the game was shot by Japan, opening the score at 1-0. Within the next minute, the visitors succeeded in scoring their second goal, taking the lead to 2-0
by the end of the first half.
The goals took place due to inappropriate positioning of US backs. Japan availed the opportunity and executed quick attacks with perfect passes, surging into a two-goal lead.
USA was found struggling since the beginning of the second half, as both teams battled not to allow any further additions to the scoreboard.
However, in the 53rd minute, Japan was awarded a penalty corner. Nagisa Hayashi converted the opportunity with a brilliant shot, scoring the third goal for his team.
The American team was heart-broken and stood defeated in the field when Japan capitalised and scored the last goal of the match in the 60th minute, to seal the game 4-0. A wonderful hit into the net by Rika Komazawa closed the match with Japan’s
first win in the entire series.
USA Head Coach, Lee Bodimeade commented, “What is come down to is Japan outplayed us. We had some different personnel in there and the good thing about a game like this is that nothing is hidden. Everything gets exposed and we get to see what we need to
work on.”
Lee added, “Japan played very strong today and how we learn from this type of loss will be important as we move forward. We’re continuing to learn about our team and what is going to make us stronger and better as we go from here.”
US squad member, Katie O’Donnell said that they found it hard to work as a team during the match. US women are planning to avenge the defeat in the final match of the five-test series to be played on April 28, at the same venue.
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