USWNT Suffers First Defeat in a Year as Japan Claims SheBelieves Cup Victory
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) saw its 18-match unbeaten streak under coach Emma Hayes come to an end with a 2-1 loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup on Thursday.
Competing at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, the US aimed for a sixth consecutive title in the tournament. However, early goals in both halves from Yūka Momiki and Tōko Koga secured Japan’s first-ever SheBelieves Cup triumph. The victory also marked Japan’s first win over the US in 14 encounters, ending a drought that dated back to 2012, according to the Associated Press.
Japan made an immediate impact, taking the lead just 93 seconds into the game when Momiki broke past the American defense and found the net, silencing the home crowd of 17,000 spectators. The US responded quickly, with Ally Sentnor leveling the score about 10 minutes later. Sentnor, who had previously scored a stunning goal against Colombia in the tournament, capitalized on a loose ball at the edge of the box and finished with composure.
Both teams created chances before halftime, but Japan regained the lead five minutes into the second half. After goalkeeper Jane Campbell saved a powerful free-kick from Yui Hasegawa, Koga reacted quickly to convert the rebound, putting Japan ahead once more.
Despite late opportunities for Jaedyn Shaw and Tierna Davidson, the US failed to find an equalizer, falling to a rare defeat under Hayes. The US squad, featuring several inexperienced players due to key absences, had already secured victories against Colombia and Australia earlier in the tournament. However, with Japan holding the superior goal difference, the US needed a win to claim the title.
“They were at a higher level than us throughout the whole evening,” Hayes admitted in a post-match interview with TNT Sports. “We are where we are because we’ve chosen to develop players, and I think this experience will benefit us in the long run. Now, I can see where the gaps are and assess which players are ready for the next step.”
Of the starting lineup, five US players had 10 or fewer international appearances, including goalscorer Sentnor.
I don’t like losing — nobody does. But there’s no shame in being beaten by a team with around 800 caps between them.
With this result, Hayes’ record as USWNT coach now stands at 15 wins, two draws, and one defeat.
The USWNT will return to action in April with two friendly matches against Brazil on the 5th and 9th.
Meanwhile, in the other SheBelieves Cup match on Thursday, Colombia—making its tournament debut — secured a 2-1 win over Australia, finishing third ahead of the winless Matildas.