After defeating China easily two days ago, Team USA knew they would face their toughest challenge in Team Japan. And they did.
Team USA kicker Matthew Davis, who had missed a field goal and extra point earlier in the game, was forced to kick a 24 yard field goal with three second left on the clock to beat a tough Japanese squad 22-14.
Leading 13-7 with a minute to go, the United States watched as Japan took the lead on a 12 yard touchdown run by Nanato Nishimura to move in front 14-13.
On the ensuing series, the United States had managed to move into field goal range on the but Japan’s defense stopped them three times in the red zone which led to Davis’s heroics.
Photos: Jorge Reyes
A last gasp reverse lateral by Japan on the kickoff was snagged by Team USA who returned it to the end zone for the final touchdown.
Japan’s speed on offense was a problem for Team USA throughout the game while the US offense struggled at times. Nevertheless running back Kennedy Hill gave the US the lead on a 15 yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
Japanese quarterback Yuki Masamoto evened the score at 7-7 on a touchdown run of his own.
A fourth down gamble late in the second quarter gave Team USA a first down on Japan’s 18 yard line and running back Andrew Dillon found a gap and scampered into the end zone to give the USA a 13-7 halftime lead.
The most valuable player for the United States was Asante Easter, while for Japan it was Nanato Nishimura.
Japan will face Mexico on Thursday, June 8, while the United States will take on Guatemala the following day. Both games will be at 6 PM local time at the Estadio Tecnologico and will be streamed live.