A New Era for the USWNT: First Loss Under Emma Hayes
The United States women’s national team (USWNT) faced a significant setback on Wednesday night at Snapdragon Stadium, suffering its first loss under new head coach Emma Hayes. Japan, known for its tactical acumen and experience, emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, clinching the SheBelieves Cup title. This match served as a reality check for the Americans, highlighting the areas where the team still needs to grow and adapt under Hayes’ leadership.
Japan’s Early Advantage
From the outset, it was clear that Japan was determined to make a statement. The team, which had already netted eight goals in their first two tournament matches, struck early in the second minute. Yui Hasegawa, a player for Manchester City, skillfully played a pass to Yuka Momiki of Leicester City, who managed to beat Emily Sonnett and unleash a powerful shot that sailed over goalkeeper Jane Campbell. This early goal brought back memories of the 2024 SheBelieves Cup semifinal, where Japan had also scored within the first 30 seconds. Despite the USWNT’s dominant performance in the Paris Olympics quarterfinals last summer, where they eliminated Japan, this moment underscored the Japanese team’s ability to capitalize on early opportunities.
Ally Sentnor’s Brilliant Equalizer
The Americans, however, were quick to respond. Just a few moments after conceding, the USWNT equalized with a stunning goal from Ally Sentnor. In the 14th minute, Cat Macario, a rising star in the team, won the ball near midfield, turned, and delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to Sentnor. With a deft touch, Sentnor entered the box and expertly placed a shot past Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita. During the halftime interview, Sentnor expressed her gratitude for Macario’s precise pass and the team’s potential to capitalize on similar opportunities in the second half. This goal was a testament to Sentnor’s growing confidence and skill on the senior team, having now made two starts and contributed three times in this tournament alone.
Japan’s Second-Half Dominance
The turning point in the match came right after halftime. In the 50th minute, Japan was awarded a free kick just outside the box. Yui Hasegawa’s initial shot was saved by Jane Campbell, but the ball fell to Toka Koga, who capitalized on the rebound to sneak a shot past the U.S. goalkeeper, giving Japan a 2-1 lead. This goal not only restored Japan’s advantage but also put the USWNT in a challenging position, needing to score two goals to reclaim the lead. The Americans struggled to find their rhythm in the second half, as Japan effectively managed the game and prevented any significant assaults on their goal.
Key Insights and Statistics
One of the most telling statistics from the match was Japan’s habit of scoring quickly against the USWNT. In the opening match of last year’s SheBelieves Cup, Kiko Seike had also scored for Japan in the first 30 seconds. This trend highlights the importance of maintaining focus and composure from the very first whistle, a lesson that the USWNT will need to internalize as they continue to develop under Hayes. The match also revealed the team’s vulnerabilities, particularly in terms of turnovers and finishing in the final third, areas that Hayes will likely focus on in the coming months.
Looking Ahead to the Next Window
The USWNT will have some time to regroup before their next set of matches in April. The team is scheduled to face Brazil in two crucial encounters, one in Los Angeles and another in San Jose. Hayes has emphasized that the primary objective of this camp and much of 2025 is to provide younger, less experienced players with opportunities on the pitch. This strategy ensures that when the star players are unavailable, the team can still maintain a high level of performance. The upcoming camp will again include both the senior and U-23 teams running concurrently, a format that has proven effective in January. Hayes made it clear that being called down to the U-23 squad is not a relegation but rather a part of the broader strategy to develop and nurture talent within the player pool.
Coach Hayes’ Vision and the Future of the USWNT
Emma Hayes has a clear vision for the future of the USWNT. She recognizes that building chemistry and understanding among players is a crucial aspect of team development, something that cannot be rushed. "The hardest part in my position is I can’t give them the things that only time takes," Hayes said, referencing the need for players to learn each other’s tendencies through consistent playing time. The "Triple Espresso" front line of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Wilson, known for their strong on-field chemistry, was unavailable for this tournament, but Hayes sees their absence as an opportunity for others to shine. While the loss to Japan was tough, Hayes views it as a valuable learning experience. "This is the perfect game for where we are at to learn a lot about ourselves," she added. As the team continues to evolve and adapt, the goal remains clear: to build a strong, cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level.
