Kristine Lilly became the world’s all-time leader in international appearances by playing in her 152nd match for the United States, and scored a goal to celebrate the occasion, as the U.S. women’s national team defeated Japan 2-0 at Memorial Stadium in Kobe. Lilly broke the record held previously by the retired Norway star Heidi Stoere, and is now the most capped international soccer player in history. As in the USA’s 2-1 victory over Japan last Sunday in Tokyo, the Americans found little space in an offensive third packed with Japanese defenders, and struggled to find a rhythm in the first half, taking just two shots. One of them, however, was from Lilly, who blasted in her 57th international goal in the 36th minute after taking a pass from Tisha Venturini and running towards goal. Her left-footed shot swerved away from Japanese goalkeeper Nozomi Yamago, who didn’t move as the ball flew into the left side of the net. “It was important to put a goal away in the first half, so we could dictate the flow of the game,” said Lilly. “To score in the game where I broke the record was nice, but to score on Japan at all is not easy, and getting the win is the most important thing.” “It’s fitting that Kristine scored the winning goal,” added U.S. coach Tony DiCicco. “Every player and staff member is proud to be on the same field with her. The record is a special accomplishment and a credit to her magnificent consistency.” The USA played without its top two scorers in forwards Mia Hamm (strained hamstring) and Tiffeny Milbrett (strained tendon in her foot), and the Americans lacked their usual pace in the attacking third. Having switched to forward from her usual left midfield position over the past few games, Lilly caused havoc in the Japanese defense with her mobility, and with increased possession in the second half, the USA created a handful of dangerous chances. Debbie Keller got the second goal in the 65th minute in a remarkably similar fashion to her winning goal in Tokyo, which came when she headed in the goalkeeper’s deflection of Brandi Chastain’s shot. This time Chastain skied to meet Lorrie Fair’s corner kick and bounced a header towards the Japanese goal. Keller, standing just two yards out, re-directed the bouncing ball into the net with her head. She has now tallied six times in the last six matches. “Japan plays a very organized defense, it’s difficult to find space, and once they gain possession, they don’t lose it quickly,” said DiCicco. “We need to take better care of the ball and play quicker to break down their defense, but overall I’m pleased with my team’s performance, and it was a well-deserved win.” The U.S. completes the three-game series against Japan on May 24 in Yokohama at the brand new 70,000-seat International Stadium, built for the 2002 World Cup. Hamm is still listed as doubtful for the game, but Milbrett will likely play. May 21 in Kobe Japan 0 USA 2. Goals: Lilly 36, Keller 65. Japan — Yamago, Yamaki, Nishina (Umeoka, 85), Isozaki, Nakachi, Sakai (Hara, 46), Sawa, Mitsui, Sugawara (Omatsu, 46), Otake (Morimoto, 81), Uchiyama (Kishi, 81). USA — Ducar, Overbeck, Pearce (Roberts, 73), Fawcett, Fair, Chastain, Foudy (Sobrero, 64), Venturini (MacMillan, 59), Keller (Whalen, 84), Lilly, Parlow. Yellow cards: none. Referee: Lim Eun Ju (South Korea). Att.: 1,039.