Nahomi Kawasumi
Nahomi Kawasumi (川澄 奈穂美, Kawasumi Nahomi, born 23 September 1985) is a Japanese footballer who plays for INAC Kobe Leonessa in the Nadeshiko League on loan from Sky Blue FC in the National Women's Soccer League. A full international since 2008, she won gold at the 2011 World Cup as well as silver at the 2012 London Olympics and 2015 World Cup. During the 2011 World Cup, she scored two goals—including a lob at 35 yards away against Sweden during the semifinals—helping Japan eventually win the tournament for the first time in its history.
Early life
Kawasumi was raised in Kanagawa Prefecture about 40 minutes south of Tokyo where she began playing soccer as a youth following the lead of her older sister.[2] She played for the Rinkan Lemons while in elementary school along with future Japanese national team defender Megumi Kamionobe.[2] Kawasumi and Kamionobe scored approximately 70% of the team's goals.[2] Kawasumi attended Nippon Sport Science University.[3]
Playing career
INAC Kobe Leonessa, 2008–2016
Kawasumi signed with INAC Kobe Leonessa in 2008.[3] In 2011, she was named the league's most valuable player after captaining INAC to its first league championship title.[3] The team finished the 2011 season with a 12–3–0 record and 39 points.[4]
During the 2013 season, Kawasumi was named the league's most valuable player for a second time. Her twelve goals were second only to her teammate Beverly Goebel.[5] She was also named to the league's Best Eleven team for the fourth year in a row.[6] INAC finished first in the league with a 16–0–2 record securing their third championship in three consecutive years.[7] Their 48 points were 10 more than second place team Nippon TV Beleza.
During the 2013 International Women's Club Championship, Kawasumi scored INAC's second goal during their 3–0 semi-final win against Chilean team, Colo-Colo Femenino.[8] INAC Kobe won the tournament with a 4–2 win over Chelsea L.F.C. in the final.[9][10]
In September 2014, Kawasumi returned to INAC Kobe Leonessa after she finished the 2014 NWSL season for Seattle Reign FC on loan.[11]
Seattle Reign FC, 2014 (loan)
In February 2014, Kawasumi signed with Seattle Reign FC on loan for the 2014 National Women's Soccer League season.[12] After scoring two goals including the game-winning goal against the Boston Breakers to lift Seattle to a 3–2 win on 6 July 2014, Kawasumi was named NWSL Player of the Week.[13] A few weeks later during a match against the 2013 champions Portland Thorns FC, Kawasumi scored two goals and served an assist to help the Reign win 5–0.[14] She was subsequently named NWSL Player of the Week for the second time during week 16 of the season.[15][16] Kawasumi finished the 2014 season, having scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists.[17] And she was selected to the NWSL Best XI for the 2014 Season.[18]
Seattle Reign FC, 2016–2018
In June 2016, Kawasumi re-signed with NWSL club Seattle Reign FC.[19] Kawasumi scored a brace on her debut against the Boston Breakers just days after re-signing, earning her NWSL Player of the Week honors.[20] Despite her efforts, the Reign finished fifth in the 2016 NWSL season, missing the play-offs for the first time in three years. Kawasumi played in all ten matches for the Reign after re-signing, starting eight and scoring three goals.
On 13 May 2017, Kawasumi set a new NWSL single-game record with four assists in a 6–2 win over the Washington Spirit.[21] She continued her good run of form in the rest of the 2017 season, playing in all 24 games and scoring six goals.[22] Despite her contribution, Seattle again finished fifth and missed the play-offs.
Following the arrival of new head coach Vlatko Andonovski, Kawasumi saw her playing time diminish and finished the 2018 season scoreless.[22] During the offseason, Kawasumi asked for a trade to maximize her playing time ahead of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2020 Summer Olympics in her home country.[23]
INAC Kobe Leonessa, 2016 (loan)
Following the conclusion of 2016 NWSL season, Kawasumi signed with former club INAC Kobe Leonessa on loan for the rest of its 2016 L.League season.[24] She helped the club win the 2016 Empress's Cup despite not playing in the final.[25]
Sky Blue FC, 2019–
On 15 January 2019, Seattle Reign FC traded Kawasumi to fellow NWSL club Sky Blue FC in exchange for American forward Shea Groom.[23]
International
![](../I/Carli_Lloyd_Nahomi_Kawasumi_Japan_vs_USA.jpg.webp)
Kawasumi began playing for the Japan national team, also known as Nadeshiko Japan, in 2008. She scored her first international goal against Finland at the 2011 Algarve Cup.[26]
2011 World Cup
During the semi-final match of the 2011 World Cup against Sweden, Kawasumi scored two goals helping Japan win 3–1 and advance to the final against the United States.[27][28][29] Kawasumi was in the starting line-up for the first time during the game and scored the equalizer in the 18th minute and the game-winning goal in the 64th.[30] Japan eventually defeated the United States in penalty kicks to clinch the gold medal.[31][32][33]
2012 London Olympics
Kawasumi was named to Japan's roster for the 2012 London Olympics and scored her first goal of the tournament during the team' first group stage match against Canada. Japan defeated Canada 2–1.[34] Japan finished second in their group after tying both Sweden and South Africa 0–0.[34] After defeating Brazil 2–0 in the quarter-finals, Japan faced France in the semi-finals and won 2–1 advancing to the final.[35] The team was defeated 2–1 by the United States in the final earning Japan a silver medal at the tournament.[36] Kawasumi finished the tournament having played in every match for Japan and scoring one goal.[37]
2015 World Cup
Kawasumi remained an integral part of the Nadeshiko side, helping the team finished runners-up in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Her cross forced a last-minute own goal by English defender Laura Bassett and sent Japan into the final.[38]
2018–
Following Japan's failed qualification to the 2016 Summer Olympics, new national team head coach Asako Takakura left off many veterans (including Kawasumi) in favor of younger players. However, Kawasumi was surprisingly recalled to the Nadeshiko in March 2018, following a two-year absence.[39] Her experience helped the team lift the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup. Faced with a real chance to make Japan's 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup roster and with playing time diminished at Seattle Reign FC, Kawasumi requested a trade and joined Sky Blue FC in January 2019.[23]
Career statistics
Club
- As of 20 December 2018
Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Total | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
INAC Kobe Leonessa | 2008 | 21 | 3 | 4 | 2 | - | 25 | 5 | |
2009 | 21 | 10 | 3 | 0 | - | 24 | 10 | ||
2010 | 18 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 27 | 12 | |
2011 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 2 | - | 20 | 14 | ||
2012 | 18 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 27 | 11 | |
2013 | 18 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 5 | 32 | 19 | |
Total | 112 | 53 | 23 | 9 | 20 | 9 | 155 | 71 | |
Seattle Reign FC | 2014 | 20 | 9 | - | 2 | 0 | 22 | 9 | |
2016 | 10 | 3 | - | - | 10 | 3 | |||
2017 | 24 | 6 | - | - | 24 | 6 | |||
2018 | 14 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | ||
Total | 68 | 18 | - | 2 | 0 | 70 | 18 | ||
INAC Kobe Leonessa | 2014 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 0 | - | 11 | 1 | |
2015 | 23 | 4 | 5 | 1 | - | 28 | 5 | ||
2016 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 15 | 2 | |
Total | 43 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 39 | 6 | |
Career total | 223 | 78 | 31 | 10 | 25 | 9 | 279 | 95 | |
National team
- As of 7 March 2016
|
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Honors
- Japan national team
- Silver Medal: 2012
- Gold Medal: 2010
- Bronze Medal: 2005
- INAC Kobe Leonessa
- Champion: 2011, 2012, 2013
- Champion: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016
- Champion: 2013
- Champion: 2013
- Seattle Reign FC
- Shield (regular season winners): 2014
- Individual
- MVP: 2011, 2013
- Top Scorers (1): 2011
- Best XI: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
- Player of the Week: Week 13, Week 16 (2014 season); Week 11 (2016 season); Week 5 (2017 season)
- Best XI: 2014
Personal life
Endorsements
Kawasumi has appeared in commercials for CalorieMate,[42] Toyota,[43] and skin care line Acnelogy.[44]
References
- "Japanese Medalists in London 2012 Olympics". joc.or.jp. Japanese Olympic Committee. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
- Shimizu, Toshiyuki (14 July 2012). "Friendly rivalry kept Kawasumi working hard". Archived from the original on 18 July 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
- Yoshida, Junya (1 December 2011). "Kawasumi's fairy-tale season continues". The Asahi Shimbun. Archived from the original on 1 December 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
- "INAC Kobe seals 1st Nadeshiko League title". The Asahi Shimbun. 12 November 2011. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
- Mayers, Joshua (10 February 2014). "Reign FC signs Japanese midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi on loan for 2014 season". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- "Reign signs Japanese league MVP Kawasumi". Soccer America. 11 February 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- Griffiths, Lowri (15 October 2013). "INAC Kobe Secure 2013 L-League Championship". Pitchside Report. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- Kassouf, Jeff. "Chelsea, INAC Kobe advance to Mobcast Cup final". The Equalizer. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
- Kassouf, Jeff (8 December 2013). "INAC Kobe Leonessa win 2013 Mobcast Cup". The Equalizer. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
- Bond, Steve (8 December 2013). "Chelsea Ladies lose to Inac Kobe Leonessa despite defiant late rally". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- "Kawasumi, Reign bonded on language of soccer" The Equalizer. 30 August 2014. Retrieve 9 March 2016.
- "Reign Announce Addition of Japan's Nahomi Kawasumi". Sounder at Heart. 10 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
- "NAHOMI KAWASUMI VOTED NWSL PLAYER OF THE WEEK". National Women's Soccer League. 8 July 2014. Archived from the original on 20 July 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- Scoby, Ashley (27 July 2014). "With Nahomi Kawasumi leading the way, Seattle Reign blows away Portland 5–0". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- Collins, Antonietta. "NWSL Player Of The Week: Naho Kawasumi". ESPN. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- "NAHOMI KAWASUMI VOTED NWSL PLAYER OF THE WEEK". National Women's Soccer League. 29 July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 August 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- NWSL Team History Seattle Reign FC 2014 Archived 24 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine National Women's Soccer League.Retrieved 9 March 2016.
- NWSL ANNOUNCES 2014 BEST XI Archived 7 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine National Women's Soccer League. 29 August 2014.Retrieved 9 March 2016.
- "Nahomi Kawasumi Returns to Seattle Reign FC". Seattle Reign FC. 17 June 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
- "Nahomi Kawasumi Scores Brace in Reign FC Victory over Boston". Seattle Reign FC. 4 July 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
- "Nahomi Kawasumi's Record-Setting Performance". Seattle Reign FC. 7 May 2017. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
- "Nahomi Kawasumi Departs Seattle After Four Seasons with Reign FC". Seattle Reign FC. 15 January 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
- "Seattle Reign FC Acquires Forward Shea Groom in Trade with Sky Blue FC". Seattle Reign FC. 15 January 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
- "Four Reign FC Players on Loan for Offseason". Seattle Reign FC. 22 October 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
- "Reign Roundup: Naho Claims Empress Cup". Seattle Reign FC. 28 December 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
- "Nadeshiko Japan finish third in Algarve Cup". Japan Football Association. 10 March 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- "Kawasumi double puts Japan in Women's World Cup final". The Independent. 14 July 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- "JAPAN RIDES TWO GOALS FROM KAWASUMI TO WORLD CUP FINAL". TSN. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
- Gerstner, Joanne C. "FOR JAPAN, AN EMOTIONAL VICTORY OVER SWEDEN". ESPN. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
- "I put pressure on myself, says goal hero Kawasumi". Japan Football Association. 14 July 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- Parker, Graham (9 August 2012). "Olympic women's soccer 2012 – USA 2–1 Japan – as it happened". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- Gregory, Sean (17 July 2011). "Japan Beats U.S. in Thrilling Women's World Cup Final". Time Magazine. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
- Gottlieb, Benjamin (17 July 2011). "Women's soccer a "beautiful flower" for post-disaster Japan". CNN. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- "London 2012 Women's Football". Olympic Committee. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- "Japan beats France to reach final". ESPN. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- "Gold Medal Game". The New York Times. 9 August 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- "Nahomi Kawasumi". FIFA. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- Evans, Simon (5 July 2015). "Women's World Cup final: five Japan players to watch". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
- "Kawasumi returns as Japan name squad for Jordan 2018". AFC. 19 March 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
- Japan Football Association(in Japanese)
- List of match in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Archived 11 August 2018 at the Wayback Machine, 2016, 2018 at Japan Football Association (in Japanese)
- "30s Naomi Kawasumi CM Calorie Mate". CalorieMate. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- "INAC Kobe – Toyota Vitz Commercial". Toyota. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- "Nahomi Kawasumi commercials". Acnelogy. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nahomi Kawasumi. |
- Nahomi Kawasumi – FIFA competition record
- Nahomi Kawasumi at Soccerway
- Nahomi Kawasumi at WorldFootball.net
- Nahomi Kawasumi at Olympics at Sports-Reference.com (archived)
- Japan Football Association
- Official website – Kawasumi's Official Blog (Japanese)
- Seattle Reign player profile