Americans to battle old foes

 By HENRY MORABANG
THE second friendly tri-nations game between Japan and US sees the old foes do battle on the old Ward Strip now turned into the world class Sir John Guise stadium tonight.
The Allied Forces including Americans used the Ward Strip to stop Japanese advancement during World War 2.
The Japanese team who started their tri-nations campaign on a high note after thrashing Papua New Guinea Under-20 women team 10-0, will be looking for another win against the Americans.
Led by captain Ichise Nana in the backline, midfielder Mizutani Yuki and flanker Okubo Mai, the Takakura Asako-coached team will the give Americans a hard game.
The Americans will rely on their midfielders Katie Cousins, Emily Ogle, Marley Canales and Parker Roberts to get the ball to their athletic and extremely mobile strikers in Ashley Sanchez, Taylor Racioppi, Jess Scarpa and Ally Watt.
Despite Japan being in steady position to win, history favours Americans to take out the match.
The US team has participated in all seven Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup with three wins under their belt.
They won the coveted U20 Women’s World Cup championship in 2002, 2008 and 2012.
Japan’s history at the Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup has seen the team reach at least the quarter-finals three times, yet failing to qualify on a further three occasions.
The final match of the tri-nations will see PNG’s U20 women play against the US next Monday, May 30.
All matches have 7pm kick offs.