Junior Football Ferns lose second tour match

New Zealand’s U-20 women’s football team have fallen to a 3-0 defeat in the second match of their USA tour in Los Angeles on Friday.

May 18, 2012

AUCKLAND – New Zealand’s U-20 women’s football team have fallen to a 3-0 defeat in the second match of their USA tour in Los Angeles on Friday.

After defeating LA Strikers 3-2 on Wednesday (NZT), Junior Football Ferns coach Aaron McFarland rang the changes in his starting line-up and cleared the bench to make sure all players had game time under their belts ahead of an international against USA on Sunday (NZT).

“Both games have given everyone some time on the pitch,” said McFarland, “and some players have confirmed themselves as starters with their performances.”

“Below that there’s a real battle for the remaining places whether it be in the starting line up or in the World Cup squad itself.”

Pali Blues are two times champions of the W-League, the second tier of professional women’s football in the USA.

“The opposition today were the sort of level we want to play against. Two of the goals were down to our own mistakes, so it was a good stark reminder of what we need to do to compete internationally.”

The Junior Football Ferns are using the USA tour to prepare for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan in August.

Pali Blues 3 (8’, 48’, 54’)
New Zealand U-20 0
Halftime: 1-0

17 May 
Home Depot Centre, Los Angeles

New Zealand: Erin NAYLER (GK / Corina BROWN 46’), Holly PATTERSON (Katie BOWEN 57’), Tessa BERGER (Ashleigh WARD 85’), Rebekah STOTT (Caitlin SMALLFIELD 46’), Rachel HEAD, Nadia PEARL, Kate LOYE (Emily COOPER 68’), Katie ROOD (Tayla O'BRIEN 63’), Evie MILLYNN (Olivia CHANCE 39’), Stephanie SKILTON, Hannah WILKINSON (Mary FRASER 46’).
Substitutes not used: None.
Coach: Aaron MCFARLAND

Junior Football Ferns Schedule
19 May 
New Zealand U-20 v USA U-20
Home Depot Centre, Los Angeles
3pm (10am May 20 NZT)