USA CUP alums playing on Japan's National Team that just beat USA

By Barclay Kruse, NSC Chief Communications Officer

Three former Schwan's USA CUP players were in the starting line-up for the Japan National Women's Soccer Team that beat the USA on Monday 1-0 at the Algarve Cup in Portugal. Aya Sameshima, Saki Kumagai and Asuna Tanaka all played in USA CUP for the Togiwagi Gakuen High School team from Sendai, Japan. Tokiwagi sends teams to USA CUP every three years. Togiwagi last played in the tournament in 2010, when they won both the weekend and weeklong championships of the U19 girls division.

Above: Asuna Tanaka.

Monday's win marked the first time Japan had ever beaten the U.S. in a regulation-time game. Of course, Japan defeated the U.S. in the championship game of the 2011 World Cup, but that was in an overtime penalty-kick shootout. (It was Kumagai who scored the winning PK goal in that World Cup final.)

Left: Saki Kumagai in action against Germany during the 2011 World Cup.

The Algarve Cup is an annual international tournament that this year serves as the major international tune-up for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

In the Algarve Cup championship game, completed earlier today, Germany defeated Japan 4-3, as Celia Okoyino da Mbabi scored Germany's winning goal in stoppage time. Asuna Tanaka scored in the 55th minute for Japan.

 

Left: Aya Sameshima.