Japan won its first SheBelieves Cup title Wednesday thanks to its 2-1 defeat of the U.S. women’s national team in the tournament’s final game. It’s only the second loss to Japan in USWNT’s history and might help reignite a rivalry that peaked across a run of major tournament finals in 2011, 2012 and 2015.
Japan struck first and early in San Diego, with Yuka Momiki scoring in the second minute of the game. The U.S. found an answer soon enough, with youngster Ally Sentnor scoring her second international goal (and her second of this tournament), assisted by Catarina Macario.
Defender Tōko Koga provided the game winner for the Nadeshiko in the second half, poaching a goal after U.S. goalkeeper Jane Campbell made a leaping stop on a Japan free kick.
Despite several changes following the opening goal, the USWNT was unable to find an equalizer, let alone a winning goal. It came close in the final minute of regular time, with Lynn Biyendolo sending it back to center back Tierna Davidson for a long-range shot. Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita got enough of a hand to the ball to push it over the bar.
Wednesday’s loss to Japan was also Emma Hayes’ first defeat as head coach of the USWNT, having previously won 15 games and drawn two since taking the job last year.
