Japan Stuns USWNT 2-1 to Win SheBelieves Cup Final/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Japan clinched the 2025 SheBelieves Cup title with a 2-1 victory over the United States, marking the first loss for USWNT under coach Emma Hayes. Toko Koga’s second-half goal secured Japan’s win, snapping the U.S. team’s five-year dominance in the tournament. The loss also ended the USWNT’s 14-game unbeaten streak against Japan, dating back to 2012.
Japan Ends USWNT’s SheBelieves Cup Reign – Quick Look
- Final Score: Japan defeated the United States 2-1 in the SheBelieves Cup final in San Diego.
- Key Moments: Yuka Momiki scored in the 2nd minute for Japan, while Ally Sentnor equalized for the U.S. in the 14th. Toko Koga netted the game-winner in the 50th minute.
- Emma Hayes’ First USWNT Loss: This marked Hayes’ first defeat as U.S. head coach, ending a 15-1-2 record since taking over.
- Japan’s First Win vs. USWNT Since 2012: The U.S. had been unbeaten in 14 straight matchups against Japan.
- Tournament MVP: Mina Tanaka (Japan) was named MVP, finishing with four goals and three assists.
Japan Stuns USWNT 2-1 to Win SheBelieves Cup Final
Deep Look
The U.S. Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) dominance in the SheBelieves Cup came to an end as Japan secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory in Wednesday’s final at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. This win marked Japan’s first triumph over the U.S. in 13 years and snapped a 14-game unbeaten streak for the Americans against their long-time rivals.
The match began with an explosive start from Japan. Just two minutes in, Yuka Momiki found the back of the net, catching the U.S. defense off guard. However, the Americans quickly responded in the 14th minute when Ally Sentnor, the U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year, capitalized on a pinpoint assist from Catarina Macario to level the score at 1-1.
Despite an energetic first half, Japan regained control early in the second half. Toko Koga, who entered as a substitute, netted the game-winning goal in the 50th minute, giving Japan a lead they would not relinquish.
For USWNT head coach Emma Hayes, this loss was a learning experience. Since taking over the team in May 2024, Hayes had led the squad to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics and maintained an unbeaten record until Wednesday’s final. However, she acknowledged that this tournament was an opportunity to test younger, less-experienced players.
“Of course, we want to win. No one wants to lose these things,” Hayes said postgame. “But we didn’t put out our most experienced team. We put out a team we’re hoping to develop, and our goals go beyond just the SheBelieves.”
The U.S. was missing key attacking players, including Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia (Smith) Wilson. Rodman is recovering from a back injury, Smith was deemed not yet match-fit, and Swanson was absent due to personal commitments.
Despite the loss, Sentnor’s performance remained a bright spot for the Americans. She has now scored in both of her starts for the national team, signaling her potential as a future star.
Japan’s Mina Tanaka, a standout in the tournament, finished as the competition’s top scorer with four goals and three assists. The Utah Royals forward was named SheBelieves Cup MVP for her contributions.
Earlier on Wednesday, Colombia secured a 2-1 victory over Australia in the third-place match, with goals from Wendy Bonilla and Catalina Usme. The Matildas, playing without star forward Sam Kerr due to ACL surgery, finished the tournament winless.
As the USWNT reflects on this setback, Hayes emphasized that the team remains focused on long-term objectives, particularly in preparing for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. While the SheBelieves Cup loss stings, it serves as a valuable test for the team’s younger talents moving forward.
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