St. John’s soccer: Rachel Daly comes off bench in Great Britain’s win

Former St. John’s soccer star Rachel Daly came off the bench in Great Britain’s Win over Japan

On Saturday morning, Great Britain continued their perfect start to the Tokyo Olympics with a hard-fought 1-0 win over hosts Japan behind a strong outing from former St. John’s soccer star Rachel Daly.

After a fairly comfortable win on Wednesday to open up the tournament, Great Britain certainly struggled to get off to a good start in the first half against Japan.

The hosts were able to peg back Team GB and had the better of the chances in the first half, but had nothing to show for their efforts going into the break.

ALSO READ: St. John’s star Tani Oluwaseyi will miss entire 2021 season

After the halftime interval, Great Britain grew into the game leading to a great shot from midfielder Nikita Parris in the 67th minute, but it went just wide.

Great Britain finally broke through thanks to forward Ellen White once again who scored to seal the points for the Brits in the 74th minute with a header off a cross from right-back Lucy Bronze.

White has scored all three of Great Britain’s goals so far in the Olympics.

Former St. John’s soccer star Rachel Daly came on in the 75th minute for Nikita Parris to help secure the win in the final 15 minutes.

St. John’s soccer star off to strong star in Tokyo Olympics

Rachel Daly completed the full 90 minutes in Great Britain’s first contest against Chile on Wednesday.

After Saturday’s win over Japan, Great Britain currently sits at the top of the Group E standings with six points after winning their first two matches of the Olympic tournament.

The win also secures their advance to the knockout stages next week with just one game to go in group play. The only question left is if Great Britain will advance as the Group E winner or Group E runner-up.

ALSO READ: Women’s team releases fall season schedule

Following Canada’s 2-1 win over Chile on Saturday, the Canadians sit on four points and second place in the group behind Great Britain.

In order to secure first-place in the group, Great Britain will need to avoid defeat against a tough Canadian side that features Christine Sinclair, one of the best goalscorers in the women’s game this generation as she competes in her fourth Olympics.

Canada has finished with the bronze medal in back-to-back Olympics going back to London in 2012.

Great Britain will take on Canada in the final match of group play on Tuesday, July 27th at 7:00am EST.