Team USA secured a 1-0 victory over Japan in a women’s soccer quarterfinal match on Saturday, advancing to the semifinals.
Trinity Rodman, a forward for the Washington Spirit, netted the winning goal during the first period of extra time with a precise left-footed shot into the top left corner.
Next, the United States will face Germany, who eliminated Canada earlier in the day in Marseille. The two teams previously met during the group stage, with the U.S. winning 4-1. Their semifinal match is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6.
Under the guidance of new coach Emma Hayes, the U.S. entered the knockout round undefeated, with a goal differential of 9-2 during the Paris Games, but Japan’s solid defense posed a challenge.
Rodman’s decisive goal came in stoppage time of the first extra period, leading to an emotional celebration with her teammates. This marked Rodman’s third goal of the tournament, and she almost added another in the second extra period.
Rodman’s standout performance contributed to the U.S. Women’s National Team’s impressive victory over Germany. The match saw a robust turnout of fans, including former stars Megan Rapinoe, Mia Hamm, and rapper Snoop Dogg, cheering in the packed Parc des Princes.
Hayes took over as coach last fall, tasked with reviving the team after a disappointing early exit from the previous Women’s World Cup.
In the first half, Japan threatened with two opportunities; however, U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher stopped Mina Tanaka’s attempt, while Miyabi Moriya sent a shot over the goal.
Mallory Swanson, who has tallied three goals this tournament, was also unable to capitalize on several chances in the second half, where the U.S. struggled with uncharacteristic mistakes and missed opportunities.
Rodman nearly scored again in the 90th minute, but her effort was blocked and cleared by a Japanese defender.
This closely contested match rekindled memories of past encounters. Japan bested the U.S. in the 2011 Women’s World Cup final, while the Americans claimed victory in the 2012 Olympic final. The U.S.A. has won four Olympic gold medals in women’s soccer, with their last one achieved in London.
After finishing with a bronze medal at the Tokyo Games following a semifinal defeat to Canada, Japan faced an earlier exit on home soil against Sweden in the same tournament.
The U.S. had previously triumphed over Japan in the 2015 World Cup, with Carli Lloyd scoring three goals within the first 16 minutes of that match.
For the quarterfinal against Japan, the U.S. made one alteration to the starting lineup, with Korbin Albert stepping in for Sam Coffey, who was sidelined due to yellow card accumulation. Additionally, forward Jaedyn Shaw returned after missing the initial three games due to a leg injury.