U.S. falls 3-1 to Japan, crashes out of U-20 Women’s World Cup

The U.S. U-20s couldn’t solve an organized Japan

Just like that, the Under-20 World Cup is already over for the USYNT.

Facing a must-win final game in Group D, the U.S. U-20s fell 3-1 to Japan, consigning a talent-laden squad to an early exit from a tournament they felt they could win. Japan and the Netherlands, who stunned the USYNT 3-0 on Sunday, are through to the quarterfinals instead.

It’s the second straight group stage elimination for the U.S. U-20 team, after a 2018 squad loaded with players who currently start in NWSL finished behind the eventual champions Japan and a very strong Spain side.

The U.S. entered the match knowing that only a victory would do, with advancement only possible via a multi-goal win over Japan, or a win combined with the Dutch failing to beat Ghan.

While playing through a scoreless, and often cagey, first half, the pressure on the USYNT increased: the Dutch took a 1-0 lead over Ghana over in San Jose.

Meanwhile, the U.S. struggled to break down Japan, who were well-organized throughout. Only Ally Sentnor’s 7th minute shot, via heavy deflection, worried Shu Ohba, but the goalkeeper—who plays collegiately in the NCAA at East Tennessee State—recovered to tip the ball away in the nick of time.

Just as news came in that the Dutch had gone up 2-0, disaster struck. A U.S. turnover from Lilly Reale sparked a break for Japan, and Manaka Matsukubo managed to sneak a shot past Mia Justus just before retreating defenders could get a block in.

Things went from bad to worse in the 67th minute, as a short corner routine undid the USYNT defense. Unmarked at the back post, Shinomi Koyama set herself before blazing a shot into the upper corner from an angle to give the tournament’s defending champions a two-goal lead.

Staring elimination in the face, the U.S. had a reaction. Simone Jackson, just minutes after entering as a sub, reacted sharply to steer Alyssa Thompson’s cross from the right past Ohba.

Tracey Kevins’ side threw everything forward in search of a miracle, but Japan put the result to bed on the counter, with Haruna Tabata’s header being confirmed after a nearly four-minute VAR check in the final moments.

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