It wasn’t pretty, and it took extra time, but The U.S. women’s national team advanced to the Olympic semifinals after beating Japan in extra time in the semifinals on Saturday. Trinity Rodman’s superb strike in the first half of extra time was the difference. The Americans had trouble creating over the course of the 120 minutes, but the one special moment proved to be enough.
How did everyone perform in the match? Take a look at our player ratings:
Goalkeepers
Alyssa Naeher
USA • GK • #1
Was tested and made two saves in the opening half and had good positioning throughout the regulation. Came up with a huge punch on a dangerous ball in extra time and kept the backline organized. Rating: 7
Defenders
Emily Fox
USA • D • #23
Was reliable when stepping into Japan’s transitions and interrupted runs but faced some early overloads. Was nabbed for an early foul for a dangerous free kick and was tasked with lots of passing across the backline instead of forward into the final third but helped facilitate the game-winning goal. Rating: 7
Naomi Girma
USA • D • #4
Got involved early in distribution when the team was faced with a low block and helped retain possession. Had lots of passes but only along the backline. Come up in crucial moments against transitional moments in Japan. Rating: 7
Emily Sonnett
USA • D • #14
Another start with Tierna Davidson out with a knee contusion. Delivered an early lob into the box to connect with a Horan header for the first look on goal in the game, but got isolated by Japan at times. Rating: 6.5
Crystal Dunn
USA • F • #19
Provided tons of coverage in the first half while getting higher up the flank. Disrupted a promising attacking sequence for Japan in the first half and early in the second half. Remained involved in ball progression and delivered the assist on Rodman’s goal. Rating: 7.5
Midfielders
Korbin Albert
USA • M • #15
First start of the tournament. Got preyed on early by Japan’s counter pressing, but grew into the second half. Picked up more minutes in extra time after not starting for months for the national team. Rating: 6.5
Lindsey Horan
USA • M • #10
Had the first look on goal for the team with an early header. Tried to combine with Rodman and Fox throughout the first half but missed connecting passes when drifting wider. Rating: 6.5
Rose Lavelle
USA • M • #16
Constant movement throughout the opening 45 minutes and was often the most connective midfielder. Won corners, got shots off and tried to facilitate attacking sequences. Was subbed out ahead of the second extra time. Rating: 7
Forwards
Trinity Rodman
USA • F • #20
Had lots of play generated towards her area, but wasn’t able to be as effective with Fox and Horan during the early moments of the game. Remained active throughout regulation and came up with a huge goal in first period of extra time and had a relentless effort defensively to close out the game. Rating: 8
Sophia Smith
USA • F • #11
Maintained holdup play when the team was being patient with the ball and looked to break when the opportunity presented itself. Kept Japan’s defensive shape honest and forced them into recovery scenarios. Rating: 7
Mallory Swanson
USA • F
Dropped lower when needed as an extra outlet and had to stay there more often during the first half. Had a good shot from distance off a corner, and won fouls, but was tasked with a lower role throughout and was subbed out ahead of extra time. Rating: 7
Substitutions
Lynn Williams
USA • F • #6
Subbed into the game for Mallory Swanson. Immediately got to work in counter pressure moments and provided defensive coverage in the box. Rating: 7
Jenna Nighswonger
USA • D
Subbed on in the second extra time for Lavelle. Provided some fresh legs in defensive coverage. Rating: 7
Subbed into the game for Emily Fox to provide defensive support, but enough time to make an impact Rating: N/A
Head coach
Emma Hayes: The USWNT manager was forced to make minimal changes with injury to players and Sam Coffey out on yellow card accumulation. The minor changes paid off, though some subs could have been made sooner, and sometimes having a treasure chest full of assets is the difference maker and today it was Trinity Rodman. Rating: 6
