U.S. Drubs Brazil 3-0 in Kirin Cup Action

It's not often that both Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan get shutout in a U.S. victory. The two biggest weapons in the U.S. offense had combined for 21 goals and 13 assists this year heading into today, but they weren't factors in the U.S.'s 3-0 win over Brazil. Instead it was veterans Carli Lloyd and Shannon Boxx who put the U.S. ahead in the first half with both goals coming off of free kicks. Amy Rodriguez then sealed the victory adding an insurance goal late in the second half after coming on as a substitute for Morgan as the U.S. converted on yet another dangerous free kick. The win was the U.S.'s largest against Brazil since a 5-1 win back in 2004. The win puts the U.S. in great position to win the Kirin Cup as now Japan will need to deliver a similar victory over the Brazilians on Thursday in order to not lose the tiebreaker.

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.