USA women seal their second successive win against Japan at 3-0
The US women national team celebrated their Easter weekend with two successive wins in the second of the five Test series played against Japan, at the Olympic Training Centre in Chula Vista, California, on April 24.
The host women sealed a 3-0 goal victory, holding the Japanese women score-less in their second encounter of the series.
In the first half of the match, the American squad was found in action with the ball possession and field dominance, pressurising their opponents.
US scored its first goal, when Katie O'Donnell found a gap after dodging the Japanese goal-keeper to the left, allowing her the gap to score. She delivered a shot right into the open net, inaugurating the scores at 1-0.
The second goal was scored by Rachel Dawson as a result of a penalty-corner, securing her second goal of the series. This was followed by a third goal that was shot by Michelle Vittese. She was open in the Japan's defensive circle when her team-mate, Lauren
Crandall, threw a pass into the circle. Vittese deflected the ball and sealed the third addition to the scoreboard at 3-0 for USA.
During the match, Japan was found in the US defensive circle for a number of times, but failed to score. Additionally, US defenders displayed their best abilities by holding their opponents score-less throughout the match.
The match closed at 3-0 goal score, declaring the day’s win to the host team. Japan had secured five penalty-corners as compared to the US women being awarded only four during the second Test match, yet they failed to avail the potential scoring opportunities
in hand.
One of the US team members, Torrie Albini, commented, "We knew that Japan was going to come out with more intensity and be a little more rested today, so that was a big challenge for us. I think everyone is pleased with how we responded to their increased
level of play and we're happy we came away with a win."
In addition, US women Head Coach, Lee Bodimeade, said, "We had a very impressive performance given that we were aware Japan would be more focused in today's match. The ability to elevate our level of intensity will be pivotal as we go forward towards the
Pan American Games.”
The remaining three matches of the five Test series for USA are scheduled to be played on April 26, 27 and 29. All matches will be played at same venue, which is located at 2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista, California. The matches are open to the public.
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