February 27, (THEWILL) – Japan won its first SheBelieves Cup title on Wednesday after defeating the United States women’s national team 2-1 in the tournament’s final match in San Diego. The victory marks only the second time Japan has beaten the USWNT in history and potentially signals a renewed competition between the teams following their past tournament finals in 2011, 2012, and 2015.
Yuka Momiki gave Japan an early advantage, scoring in the second minute following miscommunication between US goalkeeper Jane Campbell and defender Emily Sonnett. The American side equalised through Ally Sentnor, who netted her second international goal with assistance from Catarina Macario. Japan regained the lead when defender Tōko Koga capitalised on a rebound after Campbell made an initial save from a free kick.
The US team attempted to find another equaliser with several tactical changes throughout the remainder of the match. Their closest opportunity came in the final minute of regular time when Lynn Biyendolo passed to Tierna Davidson for a long-range effort, but Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita managed to tip the ball over the crossbar, preserving Japan’s advantage.
The result represents Emma Hayes’ first defeat since becoming USWNT head coach, following 15 victories and two draws since taking the position last year. Despite the loss, Hayes maintained perspective on the tournament’s purpose, telling TBS: “This is the game I really wanted for players who played less than five games for the national team, what’s missing for them and say, ‘Listen this is what you’re going to need to play at the highest level.’ That’s what development is. We are not playing for the World Cup today.”
The USWNT will return to action in April with two Olympic gold medal rematches against Brazil. The first match takes place on April 5 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, followed by an April 9 fixture at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Meanwhile, the National Women’s Soccer League regular season begins on March 14.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
