Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold blocks a shot from Japan forward Mina Tanaka during the first half of a Tournament of Nations women's soccer match, Sunday, July 30, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The Associated Press
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Sam Kerr scored three goals for her first international hat trick and the Australian women's national team beat Japan 4-2 on Sunday in the Tournament of Nations.
Kerr scored in the 10th, 14th and 43rd minutes, capping the trio of goals with a backflip. She plays professionally for Sky Blue of the National Women's Soccer League.
The Matildas were coming off a 1-0 victory over the United States on Thursday night in their tournament opener in Seattle. Tameka Butt scored the lone goal of the match in the 67th minute.
Australia, ranked No. 7 in the world, leads the tournament standings. The Matildas will wrap up the round-robin tournament against Brazil on Thursday in Carson, California.
Sixth-ranked Japan played to a 1-1 draw in its opening match against Brazil.
The United States was set to play Brazil in the late match at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday.
Australia defender Steph Catley, bottom, slides as she battles Japan midfielder Hikaru Naomoto (12) during the first half of a Tournament of Nations women's soccer match Sunday, July 30, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The Associated Press
Australia's Sam Kerr, left, and Japan's Rumi Utsugi fight for a header during the second half of a Tournament of Nations women's soccer match Sunday, July 30, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
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Australia's Sam Kerr, left, gets a hand to the face from Japan's Emi Nakajima during the first half of a Tournament of Nations women's soccer match Sunday, July 30, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
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Japan forward Mina Tanaka (11) scores a goal as Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold can't reach the ball during the first half of a Tournament of Nations women's soccer match, Sunday, July 30, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
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Australia's Sam Kerr, left, moves the ball upfield as Japan's Riho Sakamoto defends during the first half of a Tournament of Nations women's soccer match Sunday, July 30, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
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Australia's Sam Kerr, right, celebrates her third goal as Japan's Riho Sakamoto is slow to get up during the first half of a Tournament of Nations women's soccer match Sunday, July 30, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The Associated Press