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Aya Miyama scored on a 35-yard free kick in the 83rd minute, giving Japan a 1-1 tie against the defending champion United States on Wednesday in their opener at the Algarve Cup women's soccer tournament in Parchal, Portugal.
Sydney Leroux had scored in the 59th minute for the U.S., which extended its unbeaten streak to 43 games (36-0-7) since a March 2012 loss to Japan at the Algarve Cup. Leroux slid to block a clearance from goalkeeper Erina Yamane following a backpass, and the ball ricocheted in from 12 yards.
Carli Lloyd put the ball into the net with a volley just 72 seconds in after Leroux's shot hit a defender and bounced to her, but the goal was called off because Lloyd was offisde.
Miyama scored on a knuckling shot that goalkeeper Hope Solo knocked into an upper corner with a diving parry.
The U.S., which had a 20-8 advantage in shots, plays Sweden and former American coach Pia Sundhage on Friday and closes the first round against Denmark on Monday. Sweden beat Denmark 2-0 and leads Group B; The U.S. must beat the Swedes to have any chance of reaching the final.
In Group A, Germany beat Iceland 5-0 and China beat Norway 1-0. In Group C, whose teams cannot reach the final, Portugal beat Austria 3-2 and North Korea won 2-1 against Russia.
The Americans said Wednesday they will play an exhibition game against China on April 10 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.
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