Photo Copyright Yukihito Taguchi via USA TODAY Sports
The quarterfinal match between the U.S. women’s national soccer team and Japan on Saturday was far from entertaining, but it was the most tactical battle the team has faced so far under head coach Emma Hayes. The close game extended into extra time before a Trinity Rodman wonder strike secured the 1-0 victory.
Despite the recent form of the USWNT’s attacking trio, Japan managed to keep all three players quiet for most of the game. Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith wreaked havoc on opponents in the group stage but with games every two days fatigue played a big factor in what became their poorest outing so far.
Hayes went into this game with only one change to the lineup, a forced swap that saw Korbin Albert start for the suspended Sam Coffey who had been integral from the six position. Emily Sonnett continued to fill in at centerback for the injured Tierna Davidson while Jaedyn Shaw was available on the bench after missing the group stage due to injury, a timely and…
