Soccer: Junior Football Ferns lose second tour match

The New Zealand under-20 women's football team fell to a 3-0 defeat against Pali Blues in the second match of their USA tour in Los Angeles today. Photo / Getty Images.

The New Zealand under-20 women's football team fell to a 3-0 defeat against Pali Blues in the second match of their USA tour in Los Angeles today.

After beating LA Strikers 3-2 on Wednesday, Junior Football Ferns coach Aaron McFarland rang the changes in his starting line-up and cleared the bench to make sure all players had game time under their belts before an international against USA on Sunday.

"Both games have given everyone some time on the pitch," said McFarland, "and some players have confirmed themselves as starters with their performances.

"Below that there's a real battle for the remaining places, whether it be in the starting line up or in the World Cup squad itself."

Pali Blues are two times champions of the W-League, the second tier of professional women's football in the USA.

"The opposition today were the sort of level we want to play against. Two of the goals were down to our own mistakes, so it was a good stark reminder of what we need to do to compete internationally."

The Junior Football Ferns are using the USA tour to prepare for the Fifa under-20 women's World Cup in Japan in August.

Pali Blues 3 (8', 48', 54') New Zealand under-20 0 HT: 1-0