Japan Dominates U.S. in Olympic Soccer Warmup

Shota Fujio and Mao Hosoya led Japan to a 2-0 victory against the U.S. in an under-23 warmup game ahead of the Olympics. Fujio scored a penalty kick, while Hosoya added a second goal. The U.S. is preparing for its first men's Olympic soccer tournament since 2008.

In a key pre-Olympics match, Shota Fujio and Mao Hosoya propelled Japan to a 2-0 victory against the United States in an under-23 soccer game on Tuesday night. Fujio successfully converted a penalty kick in the sixth minute. The kick came after Koki Saito's ball flick hit U.S. defender Bryan Reynolds' arm near the penalty zone. Fujio expertly placed the ball to the right of goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, who leapt in the opposite direction.

The Americans, gearing up for their first men's Olympic soccer appearance since 2008, faced further setbacks when Japan netted a second goal in the 69th minute. After intercepting John Tolkin's throw-in, Shunsuke Mito advanced toward the goal. His pass, deflected by both Jonathan Tomkinson and Schulte, allowed Hosoya to score from close range.

The U.S. team, orchestrated by 31-year-old captain Walker Zimmerman, saw midfielder Rihito Yamamoto stretchered off after a facial injury. Despite these trials, they are set to compete against France, New Zealand, and Guinea in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, with final roster submissions due by July 3.

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