The U.S. Women’s National Team fought back from an early 2-0 deficit to take a late lead only to see Japan score a late equalizer in a thrilling 3-3 draw before a sold out crowd of 18,572 fans at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Japan took a surprising 2-0 lead midway through the first half as Mana Iwabuchi’s excellent shot from distance in the 14th minute and captain Yuki Ogimi’s sliding effort in the 22nd put the U.S. WNT in a two-goal hole at home for the first time in 117 matches.
Undaunted by Japan’s high pressing game, the WNT struck back through Alex Morgan just before halftime. The USA’s current goals leader in 2016 then equalized midway through the second half after Japan had been reduced to 10 players due to Ogimi being ejected for a second bookable offense.
With momentum on its side, the U.S. pressed for the winner and thought they had found it in the 89th minute when second-half sub and Denver native Lindsey Horan scored on her homecoming. The celebration was cut short however as Japan grabbed a late goal through Kumi Yokoyama for the final score line.
The U.S. WNT returns to the pitch in three days for the second leg of its two-game set vs. Japan on June 5 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
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