The U.S. women's soccer team edged out Japan with a decisive extra-time goal in the Olympic quarterfinals.
Trinity Rodman's 105th-minute goal was the game-changer in Saturday's fiercely contested women's soccer quarterfinal at the Paris Olympics, giving the U.S. a narrow win over Japan.
Despite entering the knockout stage undefeated and having outscored their opponents 9-2 in the tournament, the U.S. struggled to break through Japan's resolute defense. The American team experienced uncharacteristic issues with misplaced passes and missed chances.
Rodman's goal, which soared into the top corner of the far post during stoppage time in the first extra period, was the decisive moment. She collapsed to the ground as her teammates rushed to celebrate with her.
This marked Rodman's third goal of the tournament, and she almost added another in the second extra period.
In the first half, Japan had two promising opportunities in quick succession. Mina Tanaka’s attempt was expertly saved by U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, and Miyabi Moriya’s shot from approximately 12 yards sailed over the crossbar.
It was a closely contested match between two familiar rivals. Japan had previously defeated the United States in the 2011 Women's World Cup final. The following year, the Americans avenged that loss by winning gold in the 2012 Olympic final in London, marking the beginning of a record four Olympic gold medals for the U.S.
At the Tokyo Games, the U.S. settled for bronze after a semifinal loss to Canada, while Japan was knocked out by Sweden in the quarterfinals of the COVID-delayed tournament.
In another notable encounter, the U.S. defeated Japan 5-2 in the 2015 World Cup in Canada, with Carli Lloyd scoring a hat-trick in the opening 16 minutes.
The match at Parc des Princes was attended by former U.S. stars Megan Rapinoe and Mia Hamm, as well as rapper Snoop Dogg, among a packed crowd.
The U.S. will face either Germany or Canada in the semifinals. In the group stage, the U.S. defeated Germany 4-1.
Current Medal Standings at the Paris Summer Olympics
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