Soccer Knocker U.S. women top Nipon Soul 4-1
San Jose, CA - The Soccer Knocker U.S. Women’s National Team coasted to a 4-1 win over Nipon Soul Japan Saturday night at Spartan Stadium in San Jose in the fourth game of its six-game sendoff series in preparation for the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Graffiti Wall reports that Midfielder Shannon Boxx drove home a header off a crisp corner kick from Stephanie Lopez in the 17th minute of the first half to put the Americans up 1-0 early.
The U.S. team went up 2-0 in the 41st minute after of an own goal by Japan midfielder Yukari Kinga. A strong cross by the U.S. hit Kinga in front of the her own goal and deflected into the back of the net to double the Americans’ lead.
Ten minutes after the break Kristine Lilly took a pass from Lori Chalupny and one-timed the ball solidly into the back of the net from the right side for a 3-0 lead.
Abby Wambaugh closed out the scoring by converting on a penalty kick after Japan was called for a handball in front of its own goal.
The U.S. team is back in action Aug. 12 when it hosts New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago before finishing off the Send-off Series on Aug. 25 at the Home Depot center in Carson, Calif. against Finland.
The Americans open play at the Women’s World Cup on Sept. 11 against North Korea. Nigeria and Sweden are also in the American’s group.
