SOCCER/ Wambach, Morgan have 2 each, US beats Nadeshiko Japan 4-1

June 19, 2012

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

HALMSTAD, Sweden--Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan each scored twice to give the United States a 4-1 win over Japan in its penultimate tuneup for the Olympics.

Morgan put the U.S. ahead in the third minute and Wambach made it 2-0 in the 10th in the third rematch of 2011 World Cup finalists this year. The Americans beat Sweden 3-1 on June 16 in a three-team set of exhibitions called the Volvo Winners Cup. Japan plays Sweden on June 20.

"Abby had a great game, Alex Morgan had a great game as well, and so did the midfield. We changed the wing players a little bit and we dominated the midfield which is a hard thing to do against Japan, who keeps the ball all the time," US coach Pia Sundhage said. "I think they were dangerous, but we also controlled the game for the most part and in the defense as well. The back four did a great job with the six up front."

The United States next plays June 30 against Canada in Sandy, Utah, before going to London.

Yuki Nagasato got a goal back for Japan in the 28th minute on a diving header to finish Aya Miyama's pinpoint cross.

Morgan got her second in the 61st minute and Wambach nodded home the last goal in the second minute of stoppage time.

The Americans outshot Japan 11-2 in shots on target, forcing seven saves from goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Japan midfielder Homare Sawa fights for the ball with U.S. midfielder Lauren Cheney at an exhibition match in Halmstad, Sweden, on June 18. (The Asahi Shimbun)

Japan midfielder Homare Sawa fights for the ball with U.S. midfielder Lauren Cheney at an exhibition match in Halmstad, Sweden, on June 18. (The Asahi Shimbun)

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  • Japan midfielder Homare Sawa fights for the ball with U.S. midfielder Lauren Cheney at an exhibition match in Halmstad, Sweden, on June 18. (The Asahi Shimbun)