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Jordan Small
WashingtonSpirit.com
Leesburg, VA., (06/18/21) – Japan Women’s National Team Head Coach Asako Takakura has named Spirit midfielder Saori Takarada to the roster for the Tokyo Olympic Games. This is the first Olympic Games for Takarada.
The Olympic hosts will start off the tournament against Canada on Wednesday, July 21 (7:30 p.m. JST/6:30 a.m. EST). They will then face Great Britain on Saturday, July 24 (7:30 p.m. JST/6:30 a.m. EST). Japan will wrap up Group E play on Tuesday, July 27 (8:00 p.m. JST/7:00 a.m. EST).
Most recently, Takarada appeared for Japan in the June 10 match vs. Ukraine where she played 83 minutes and scored her first goal for the senior team. Takarada was also a part of two April friendly matches for Nadeshiko Japan, starting both at centerback. The 21-year-old has represented her country at the U-17, U-20 and senior team levels. 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.