Women Kick Off Domestic Play Against China

Americans Begin '09 Domestic Play May 20

March 17, 2009

CHICAGO – The U.S. women’s soccer team will open its 2009 domestic schedule on May 20 with a match against surprise 2008 Olympic semifinalist Japan at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.

Carli Lloyd and the US Women's National Team will kick off domestic play against China. (Chris Aduama/ADUAMA.com)

The game is the first in a two-game series, as the Americans will also host Japan three days later at Utah?s Rio Tinto Stadium.

The game will be the first meeting between the two countries since the dramatic 2008 Olympic semifinal encounter in Beijing, won 4-2 by the U.S. The Americans fell behind 1-0 in that game, but stormed back to score four goals before Japan pulled a one back in stoppage time.

The game also marks the first international match during the inaugural WPS season, which begins March 29. Several Japanese players will also be playing in the league this year.

“These will be interesting games, not only because my coaching staff and I will get the chance to watch many players in the WPS before picking our roster, but also because of the way Japan played during the Olympics,” said U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage. “The way they move the ball around is to be admired and emulated and, I am sure these will be very entertaining matches for the fans and the players.”

Japan is expected to feature its all-time greatest player, midfielder Homare Sawa, who is playing for the Washington Freedom in WPS.

The U.S. team just completed another run to the final of the prestigious Algarve Cup, where Sweden edged the Americans on March 11 in penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie in regulation.

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