On Sunday, the United States Under-20 Women’s National Team fell 0:1 to Japan’s Under-20 WNT in a friendly at Nagai Stadium in Osaka. Although Japan dominated possession, probably 60/40, and created more scoring opportunities than the USA, the young American squad was able to hold their own for stretches against Japan’s compact and well-organized defense. The USA’s defense also held up well, forcing the home side to mostly take speculative efforts from outside the box. Weaknesses were exposed, but that is why friendlies are played, especially at this age level. Continue reading →