July 5, 2011

&\#149; 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup
&\#149; England-Japan Recap
&\#149; New Zealand-Mexico Recap

FULLERTON, CA - Former Cal State Fullerton goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and England advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup on Tuesday, posting a 2-0 shutout of Japan to emerge as champions of Group B and set up a knock-out stage clash with France on July 9 in Leverkusen, Germany.

England finished 2-0-1 in group play for seven points, edging the Japanese (six points) for the top spot. France finished second in Group A following a 4-2 defeat at the hands of host Germany later in the day on Tuesday.

Ellen White, in the 15th minute off a long lob from teammate Karen Carney, and Rachel Yankey, in the 66th minute from Rachel Unitt, found the back of the net for England despite being outshot by Japan, 14-10, for the match. Bardsley made two saves to preserve the clean sheet and send England forward.

Elsewhere, another former Titan, Marlene Sandoval, and her side had its run at the Women's World Cup ended in group play as Mexico jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead only to have New Zealand battle back and earn a 2-2 draw with a pair of goals in the closing minutes of the match.