U.S. Women Draw with Japan at Kirin Cup

The U.S. Women's Soccer Team has had a number of rivals over the years: China, Brazil, Germany, and Sweden just to name a few... But it would appear the U.S. has found a new nemesis in Japan. For the third time in the last nine months, the U.S. faced off against the Japanese and failed to emerge victorious being forced to settle for a 1-1 draw this morning at the Kirin Cup in Japan. This draw comes on the heels of a 1-0 loss at this year's Algarve Cup and the all too memorable World Cup Final that the U.S. lost in a shootout. The U.S. fell behind early in this one thanks to a goal by 27 year old defender Yukari Kinga, but Alex Morgan - as she's done all year - bailed the U.S. out with a 72nd minute left-footed strike from just outside the penalty spot. Morgan now has 12 goals in ten games for the U.S. this year to lead the team.

The U.S. now has just a day's rest before taking on Brazil in their final game of the 3-team tournament. The last time these two teams met, Abby Wambach scored her famous header in the closing seconds of extra time to force a shootout which the U.S. would go on to win knocking Brazil out of the World Cup. Brazil will then conclude the tourney by taking on Japan on Thursday.