Wambach Leads USA Past Japan 2-0 In Exhibition
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Abby Wambach scored and assisted on Amy Rodriguez's goal in the first half to lead the United States to a 2-0 win against No. 4 Japan in an exhibition Saturday.
Wambach's 118th career goal came in the 29th minute off a header from 8 yards after a 40-yard free kick by Ali Krieger.
Eight minutes later, Wambach took a pass on the right flank from Heather O'Reilly and found Rodriguez at the near post for a left-footed redirect.
Japan played its first match since devastating earthquakes and a tsunami hit the northeastern part of the country March 11. A moment of silence was held before the game.
The teams play again Wednesday in Cary, N.C., as the teams prepare for next month's FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)