U.S. Comes from behind to Beat Japan, 2-1, in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (Sept. 14, 2008) - Two second half goals from Jamar Beasley spurred the U.S. National Futsal Team to a comeback victory over Japan on Sunday at the Kern Center.

Kogure and Takahashi, who both play professionally in Spain, were unavailable for Friday's game against the U.S. and just arrived in the Japanese camp yesterday. However, their quality was apparent, and early in the second half, Kogure was the architect of the game's first goal.In the 26th minute, Japan put together a patient attacking move that culminated in Kogure feeding Yuki Kanyama in the center of the court. Kanayama took one touch before firing into the roof of the net from ten yards out to give Japan the lead. The advantage was just reward for the visitors, who had rattled the U.S. with their excellent possession in the early second half.

However, the U.S. response was admirable, and five minutes later they were level.

Friday night's draw saw the U.S. score twice from set pieces and on Sunday they were at it again. From a free kick, Denison Cabral's low pass was dummied by Pat Morris before it reached Beasley at the far post. The play completely fooled the Japanese defense, and Beasley was left with a simple tap in to level the score."It was a play that we use a lot, where we overload one side," said Beasley, who earned Sierra Mist Man of the Match Honors for his performance. "[Morris] dummied the pass and I was right behind the goalie, just like Coach Tozer drew it up. We executed it really well"

Eventually the extra attacker gamble would come back to haunt Japan, and in the 38th minute, the U.S. capitalized.

A turnover in the U.S. area brought a counter attack that left the Japanese out of position. Morris was able to square the ball to Beasley who finished past the despairing Rikanado Higa.The goal was Beasley's second of the game, and it provided the U.S. with a deserved win at the end of an exciting weekend in Milwaukee. Next up for the U.S. National Futsal Team, is the announcement of the roster for the FIFA World Cup. On Monday, Sept. 15, Keith Tozer will unveil the squad that will travel to Brazil later this month.

The U.S. has been drawn into Group B with along with Italy, Portugal, Thailand and Paraguay.

Overall, the games over the weekend provided the perfect buildup to the U.S.' departure for Brazil.

"With all the games and all the fans here cheering us on, this weekend has been a big boost for us," said Beasley, "from here we're just going to keep moving forward."