Mallory Swanson’s hot streak continues as USA beat Japan in SheBelieves Cup
Mallory Swanson scored in the 45th minute as the United States beat Japan 1-0 on Sunday to remain undefeated in this year’s SheBelieves Cup.
Alex Morgan’s pass released Swanson, who outraced her marker before beating goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita with a right-footed shot. The forward scored both goals in Thursday night’s 2-0 win over Canada in Orlando in the tournament’s opening round.
Swanson now has six goals in four games and is one off her career-high for a USWNT season. Sunday’s goal was the 31st of her national team career.
Goalkeeper Casey Murphy preserved the shutout with a couple of big saves late in the game, the first off a shot by Yui Hasegawa in the 81st minute. Murphy made another crucial save early in stoppage time, smothering a left-footed shot by Jun Endo.
Rose Lavelle sat out her second straight game in this event, which concludes on Wednesday in a doubleheader in Texas with the Americans facing Brazil after Japan play Canada.
Ashley Sanchez missed a header in the 53rd minute off a pass from Kristie Mewis.
The US had a couple of prime chances early at GEODIS Park, home to Nashville SC of MLS, in front of a crowd of 25,471, most notably when Yamashita diverted Lynn Williams’ cross-shot on to the bar.
Japan were held scoreless for a fourth straight match despite having plenty of opportunities. In the first half, Riko Ueki’s shot from outside the area went wide. Aoba Fujino and Hina Sugita also missed good chances while midfielder Fuka Nagano hit the crossbar from outside the box in the 79th minute.