Konnicci wa! The Blues soccer club served as international hosts to the AS Elfen youth soccer teams which were visiting the United States from Japan. The Japanese girls arrived on Friday August 22, 1997. Their objective, a home stay program and some international friendlies with the Blues Soccer Club.

Six games were scheduled for August 23 & 24 at Rancho Capistrano. 24 Japanese girls were paired up for home stays with some of the Blues players and hope is that some time in the future a return trip may be possible for the Blues. The Blues overpowered the Japanese in all the games winning in convincing fashion but the Japanese showed well with respect to their skill level.

After the final games on Sunday the 24th all of the Japanese players and their Blues hosts met at Eric and Karen Perkowski's home for an All American Bar BQ catered by Dem Bones of Santa Monica. Along with the chow, the festivities included an exchange of gifts and thanks. Everyone involved felt it was a rewarding experience for both sides. Thanks go out to Julie and Dave Mildrew for putting the event together.

Earlier in the year the Prima Ham Professional Football Club "Kuno-Ichi" (Lady Ninjyas) was in town on May 19 and took on the Southern California Blues Adult Women's team at the new San Juan Capistrano Community Center and Sports Park.

About 200 fans including many of the younger Blues players gathered at the Sports Park to watch a very entertaining game that ended in a 1-0 victory for the visitors from Japan. On the Lady Ninjya side was Canadian National Team and former North Carolina State player Charmaine Hooper (#11), who scored the game's only goal. Press here for the visual details and after game photos.

The Prima Ham Lady Ninjyas play in the Japanese Women's Soccer League and were here to contribute to friendship between our countries through soccer. Press here for information about women's soccer in Japan.