USWNT falls to the first defeat in a year with the defeat of the Shebelieves Cup against Japan

CNN
–

He US National Team of the USA. The undefeated race of 18 games under coach Emma Hayes came to an end on Thursday with a 2-1 defeat against Japan in the Shebelieves Cup.

The United States sought to win a sixth consecutive Shebelieve Cup title in Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, but the goals of Yūka Momiki and Tōko Koga at the beginning of each half saw Japan lift the trophy for the first time.

It was also a First victory over the United States for Nadeshiko In 14 games, according to the Associated press – A career without victories that dates back to 2012.

The game had the perfect beginning for Japan when Momiki put behind the defense of the United States and scored after only 93 seconds, impressing the local crowd of 17,000 people.

The United States responded about 10 minutes later Ally SentnorThat he had scored a wonderful goal against Colombia before in the competition, he gathered the ball on the edge of Japan’s box and matched with a compound ending.

Both teams had shooting opportunities later in the first half, but it was not up to five minutes after part time that the game saw their next goal. After Jane Campbell had saved Yui Hasegawa’s well beaten, Kaga pounced on the rebound to put Japan 2-1 forward with much the game still to play.

However, the inexperienced American side could not find a way back to the contest, falling to a rare defeat under Hayes despite the late opportunities of Jaedyn Shaw and tender Davidson.

From its first game with Hayes in June last year, the United States has He won the Olympic gold in Paris last summer And I was looking to win an eighth title of the Shebelieves Cup in 10 editions about Japan, Colombia and Australia, despite several absences of players.

With Japan with a higher goals difference, Thursday’s game was a contest that must win for the United States after both teams had defeated Colombia and Australia Previously in the tournament.

“They (Japan) were at a higher level for us throughout the night,” said Hayes in TNT Sports after the game, and added: “We are where we are through the option of developing players and I think we are better as a result of this experience. I can see where the holes are and put ourselves in a position to say: ‘It’s fine, these players are ready for later.'”

From the initial alignment of the United States against Japan, five players had made 10 or less appearances for the team, including scorer Senttenor.

“I am not going to sit here and say that I like to lose, no … but, as I said, there is no versative to be defeated by a team that probably between them obtained around 800 caps,” said Hayes, whose record with the United States is now in 15 victories, two raffles and a defeat.

The next US faces Brazil in consecutive friendlies on April 5 and 9.

In the other game of the Shebelieves Cup on Thursday, Colombia, debut in the competition, defeated Australia 2-1 to finish third, one place above the matildas without victories.