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US women get weather-shortened 2-0 shutout over Japan

United States forward Alex Morgan, center, is congratulated by Tobin Heath, right, and Christen Press, left, after scoring a goal during the second half of an international friendly soccer match against Japan, Sunday, June 5, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Associated Press)
Associated Press
United States forward Alex Morgan, center, is congratulated by Tobin Heath, right, and Christen Press, left, after scoring a goal during the second half of an international friendly soccer match against Japan, Sunday, June 5, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Associated Press)

CLEVELAND – Julie Johnston and Alex Morgan scored goals, leading the U.S. women’s national team to a 2-0 win over rival Japan in a friendly halted in the 76th minute by severe weather on Sunday.

Johnston scored in the 27th minute and Morgan one-timed a nice pass from Crystal Dunn in the 62nd minute to pace the Americans, who tied Japan 3-3 earlier this week. The matches have been the first since the U.S. won last year’s World Cup with a 5-2 victory over Japan in the final.

The match was delayed in the second half by rain and lightning, which sent fans in FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the NFL’s Browns, scrambling for cover. With more rough weather expected, officials decided to call the match following an hour delay.

Johnston’s goal came after Japan failed to clear the ball following a free kick. Morgan scored after streaking down the middle of the field and finishing a pass from Dunn with her left foot for her 11th goal this year.