U.S. Routs Japan and Gets Assist From Canada

Canada surprised China and the U.S. defeated Japan, getting the Americans into a three-way tie for first in the Pacific Cup women’s soccer tournament Thursday.

Canada beat China 5-3 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw to join the Chinese at the top of the standings. The U.S. scored a convincing 4-1 victory over Japan to also reach nine points.

A perfectly executed free kick gave the U.S. the lead over Japan in the 16th minute when striker Cindy Parlow knocked the ball in from close range.

The Americans took control in the second half, getting goals six minutes apart from Shannon MacMillan and Brandi Chastain. Substitute Aly Wagner scored from close range in the 88th minute to finish the scoring.

The tournament’s final games will be played over the weekend, with Canada playing Japan, China taking on winless New Zealand on Saturday and the U.S. playing Australia on Sunday.