Injuries have been a factor (Jun Endo is sidelined with a knee injury, Katie Johnson suffered a knee injury last week and will not be available and Christen Press is still working her way back.

Source: https://www.dailynews.com/2023/06/16/angel-city-fc-kicks-off-second-half-of-season-against-san-diego/

Jun Endo on the left was exceptional - her passing was top shelf.

Source: https://japantoday.com/category/sports/japan-hammer-zambia-5-0-in-women%27s-world-cup-lesson

Winger Jun Endo added the fourth in the 71st minute and substitute Riko Ueki got the fifth from a penalty in stoppage time after Zambia goalkeeper Catherine Musonda had been dismissed for two yellow cards.

Source: https://www.heraldlive.co.za/sport/soccer/2023-07-22-japan-off-to-a-flyer-with-5-0-win-over-debutants-zambia/