Sam Kerr celebrates her insurance goal. (Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports)
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — Australia blanked Asian rival Japan, 2-0, in the final game for both teams at the Tournament of Nations at Toyota Stadium Thursday night.
The Matildas (seven points) finished the tournament at 2-0-1 with a chance to win the competition, depending on the U.S’s (1-0-1, 4) encounter against Brazil (1-1-0, 3) in the second game of the doubleheader.
Australia gained a measure of revenge of a 2-0 loss to the Japanese during Asian Women’s World Cup qualifying Aug. 31, 2017. Japan booked a spot in France 2019 that day. The Aussies eventually qualified for the tournament.
Japan finished in last place at the Tournament of Nations at 0-3-0.
Alanna Kennedy lifted the Aussies into a 1-0 lead via a free kick in the 45th minute before Chicago Red Stars striker Sam Kerr, who calls Toyota Stadium home, doubled the lead later in the half.
More details coming.