Hockeyroos in upset loss
03/07/2008 12:39 PM
The Hockeyroos' Olympic preparations have taken a minor hit after suffering a surprise 4-2 loss to Japan in the first match of a four-Test series in Tenri on Wednesday night.
Australia dominated most of the match, with more circle penetrations and shots on goal, but Japan made the most of its opportunities, scoring two early first-half goals to set up the win.
It was just the second loss to Japan in 30 matches for the Hockeyroos in what was a disappointing performance overall.
"It was a game full of wasted opportunities up forward, while our defence was also well below our best," coach Frank Murray said.
Japan scored first after just eight minutes before Sarah Young levelled midway through the first half with a penalty corner. That was the Hockeyroos' only conversion from a penalty corner from seven attempts.
It was more of the same in the second half, with Japan making the most of its scoring chances while the Hockeyroos failed to capitalise on theirs.
Two further goals to Japan extended the margin to 4-1 before Casey Eastham scored in the 69th minute to bring some respectability to the scoreboard.
Kobie McGurk, Madonna Blyth and Teneal Attard were consistent performers for the Hockeyroos.
The next match of the series will be played in Japan on Friday.
Japan 4 (Ono 8, Kozakura 20, Morimoto 41, Komori 59)
Australia 2 (Young 13, Eastham 69)