The Japan women’s U-17 team lost 2-1 to their American counterparts in their third and final match at the U-17 Women’s NTC Invitational tournament on Sunday in Carson, California.
　Japan went ahead in the fifth minute through Sugita Hina but gave away goals in the 28th minute, on a penalty, and in the 79th minute.
　With the result, Japan finished second to the U.S. in the four-team friendly competition with a win, a draw and a loss. China were third and New Zealand finished in fourth place.
　The Japanese girls beat New Zealand 5-0 in Game 1 on Wednesday and drew 0-0 with China in Game 2 on Friday.
　Japan women’s U-17 coach Takakura Asako said, “Our players made good challenges both in attack and defense, and we have found things we need to work on on the physical side and how to deal with long balls.
　“We’ll keep working to improve our skills in passing, ball control and combination work in order to do well in the World Cup and continue with the development of Japanese football.”
　Japan will take part in the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup in Costa Rica in March/April.