WNT Matches Against Japan Cancelled

Japanese Cite Concerns Over Swine Flu

May 12, 2009

The first two domestic matches of 2009 for the U.S. Women’s National Team have been cancelled after Japan decided not to travel to the United States or Canada, citing concerns with the swine flu (H1N1) virus.

The U.S. team was to face the Japanese in two games, one at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas on May 20 and another at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, on May 23. Japan was also scheduled to play Canada on May 25 at BMO Field in Toronto.

“This is an unfortunate situation, but one that we had absolutely no control over,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “We have been assured that the risk to the participating teams is exceptionally low, but we accept the Japanese Federation’s decision not to travel.”

Four Boston Breakers - forward Amy Rodriguez, midfielder Angela Hucles, and defenders Heather Mitts and Amy LePeilbet - had been called up for the matches by head coach Pia Sundhage.