Japan Blanks USMNT in FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier
ISMAILA, Egypt – No. 18 Japan got the work done early as they blanked the No. 25 U.S. Men’s National Team, 4-0, in the second pool game of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier in Ismailia, Egypt. Following an early goal, Japan established control and forced the USA to chase the match from the outset. Despite stretches of positive attack, the Wolves were unable to break through Japan’s defense.
Japan quickly got on the board in the 3rd minute, rewarding themselves on their first attack. Just a minute later, the Samurais earned four penalty corners in succession, but great front running by Christian DeAngelis absorbed the shots.
The first quarter closed with goalkeeper Jonathan Klages cutting the angle and denying a backhand shot.
The second quarter started with shared possession before Japan added two more goals to make it 3-0. The first came midway through the frame when they capitalized through a penalty corner that went back to the inserter was put across the goal face and tapped in by Koji Yamasaki. Next, was a backhand goal by Ryoma Ooka in the 28th minute.
USA took risks and produced more attack, including two penalty corners, in the third period but the scoreline didn’t change. The combinations and looks produced shots from Jack Heldens that went wide, Alberto Montilla who had his backhand blocked, and Sekayi Charasika who was unable to connect cleanly.
Japan almost extended their lead at the start of the fourth when Jonathan Klages was met with a 1-on-1 but fortunately the attempt went off the post. The Samurais added a security goal in the 56th minute when a reverse was tipped in off the back post by Kosei Kawabe. Just before the conclusion, Doug Allison registered a defensive save, and USA defended away two more set pieces.
Key Moments:
3’ Japan scored on their first attack, 1-0
5’ Japan earned four penalty corners in quick succession
12’ Jonathan Klages denied a backhand shot
23’ Japan scored off a penalty corner, 2-0
23’ Aki Kaeppeler issued a 5-minute yellow card
28’ Backhand goal for Japan, 3-0
29’ Japan set piece that is saved off the glove of Jonathan Klages
29’ Japan’s Yuto Higuchi issued a green card
29’ Japan earned a penalty corner
35’ Jonathan Klages with a low block
35’ USA won their first penalty corner
36’ Jacks Heldens with a shot that went wide
38’ Japan backhand shot that goes just outside the post
38’ Alberto Montilla’s backhand shot is blocked
39’ Jack Heldens issued a green card
44’ Japan penalty corner that is batted away by Jonathan Klages
45’ USA earned a set piece
56’ Japan with a back post tip in goal, 4-0
58’ Doug Allison with a defensive save
58’ Back-to-back penalty corners for Japan
Noteworthy:
- USA's Rory Bleeker played in his first international cap, along with made his first start
- USA and Japan have met five times, with the Samurais victorious in each contest
Next Up: The USMNT will play their final pool game of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier Wednesday, March 4 at 11:45 a.m. against No. 4 England. All games can be streamed on Watch.Hockey (PPV).
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