Trinity Rodman’s Late Goal Sends U.S.A Women’s National Team to Semifinals of 2024 Summer Olympics with 1-0 Overtime Victory Over Japan.

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PARIS (Aug. 3, 2024) – Trinity Rodman broke a scoreless deadlock with a stunning goal in extra time, propelling the U.S.A Women’s National Team to a 1-0 victory over Japan and securing their place in the semifinals of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The win came in a tightly contested quarterfinal at Parc des Princes.

After spending the group stage in southern France, the U.S.A team finally reached Paris but faced a resolute Japanese defense that held strong for over 105 minutes. However, midway through extra time, Rodman seized the moment, sending the fifth-ranked Americans through to an August 6 semifinal in Lyon, where they will face either Germany or Canada. This marks the USWNT's seventh semifinal appearance in eight Olympic tournaments.

Rodman’s decisive goal at the end of the first period of extra time was the latest score in Olympic history for the USWNT, surpassing Alex Morgan’s game-winner in the 2012 Semifinal against Canada.

Under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Emma Hayes, the U.S.A has now achieved a perfect start in an Olympic tournament for only the second time, the last instance being in 2012 when they went on to win gold against Japan. Friday’s match was the seventh knockout-round encounter between the two teams in the history of the Women’s World Cup and Olympics, making it the most frequent elimination game pairing in these global tournaments.

With a 32W-1L-8D record against Japan, the U.S.A has triumphed in six of their seven knockout matches. However, the rivalry remains intense, especially after the memorable 2011 Women’s World Cup Final loss. Friday’s match at Parc des Princes was a testament to the competitive nature of this fixture, with Japan nearly stifling a U.S.A attack that had been prolific in the group stage.

Hayes made one change from the team that defeated Australia, with Korbin Albert replacing the suspended Sam Coffey in midfield. Despite missing center back Tierna Davidson (leg contusion), Emily Sonnett performed admirably alongside Naomi Girma.

The U.S.A dominated possession, controlling nearly 80% of the ball in the first half, but struggled to break through Japan’s disciplined 5-2-3 formation. The Americans had a few chances, including a shot from Sophia Smith in the 30th minute and an effort from Rose Lavelle, but both were off-target or well-saved.

The second half saw Japan increase their offensive efforts, but the U.S.A defense remained solid, with a notable save from Naeher on a strike by Yui Hasegawa. The match remained goalless as both teams struggled to capitalize on their opportunities.

Entering extra time, the U.S.A looked to avoid penalties for the third consecutive quarterfinal. Hayes made a strategic substitution, bringing in Lynn Williams for Mallory Swanson. Rodman’s breakthrough came in the dying moments of the first extra period. After a long pass from Girma, Rodman skillfully dribbled past Japan’s Hikaru Kitagawa and scored with a precise left-footed shot into the upper-left corner.

Rodman’s goal was her third of the tournament, adding to her earlier goals against Zambia and Australia. Despite not scoring in her previous 12 USWNT appearances, she has been a standout performer in her Olympic debut, also contributing an assist in the match against Germany.

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher recorded her second shutout of the tournament, marking her 10th clean sheet in 20 Olympic or Women’s World Cup appearances. The semifinal on August 6 will be held at the Stade de Lyon, a venue with significant historical significance for the USWNT, including their 2019 Women’s World Cup victories over England and the Netherlands.

Germany and Canada are set to compete later on Saturday to determine the U.S.A’s semifinal opponent. Regardless of the outcome, the U.S.A will either compete in the bronze medal game on August 9 or advance to the gold medal match at Parc des Princes on August 10, forever remembered as the site of Rodman’s pivotal strike.

**Goal Scoring Summary**

**USA** — Trinity Rodman (Crystal Dunn), 105+2nd minute: A precise, long-range pass from Dunn found Rodman, who skillfully evaded Hikaru Kitagawa and scored with a left-footed shot into the upper-left corner of the goal. **USA 1, JPN 0 FINAL**