Jordan Small
WashingtonSpirit.com
Leesburg, VA., (04/01/21) – Japan Women’s National Team Head Coach Asako Takakura has named Spirit defender Saori Takarada to the roster for the team’s April friendlies against Paraguay and Panama. Nadeshiko Japan will take on Paraguay on April 8 in Miyagi and Panama on April 11 in Tokyo.
Takarada joined the Spirit in December 2019 on a two-year contract. In seven years at Cerezo Osaka Sakai Ladies, she recorded 44 goals in 110 appearances. The 21-year-old has represented her country at the U-17, U-20 and senior team levels. Most recently, Takarada joined the national team at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. She made her debut for Nadeshiko Japan on June 10, 2019 vs. Argentina. At the U-20 level, Takarada was selected as the Silver Ball and Bronze Boot winner of the 2018 World Cup. Her five goals in six appearances, including a goal in the final vs. Spain, helped lead Japan to the title that year.