US Women Improve Against Japan In Match 2
du Nord, August 11, 2008
USA Women Olympic Match Report from du Nord reader Adam.Group Stage Match 2Sat Aug 9USA 1-0 JapanWhen four minutes had ticked by in the match between the United States and Japan, US players and fans had to be relieved: the US wasn’t two goals down. In contrast to the mess of a team that came out against Norway, the Americans looked more aggressive and confident.Determined to put the Japanese on their heels early, it only took eight minutes for the US to create a dangerous scoring opportunity. Heather O’Reilly sent a low ball across the face of Japan’s goal that defender Yukari Kinga had to knock out for a corner. Seconds later, Lindsay Tarpley forced keeper Miho Fukumoto to make a diving save.Japan soon settled into the match, though, and exposed the US’ lax defense. After a series of beautiful passing sequences in and around the US box, Kinga’s low shot almost snuck into the back post. Japan’s playmaker Homare Sawa also found herself free in the US box, but her dipping shot was tipped over the bar by Hope S