Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
SEATTLE — U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes put out a younger and less experienced lineup in her team’s second test against Japan, and it was reflected in the 0-1 loss.
Japan scored first in the 27th minute when Maika Hamano found lots of space on the right side inside the box, then found even more space with a hard cut past defender Lilly Reale and finished impressively near post into the roof of the netting. Hayes called it a “poor goal” that her team shouldn’t have given up postgame.
The result was disappointing for Hayes & Co., particularly as they felt they dominated the game, holding 67% of possession. Building up and working through the press was solid, but play in the final third was too slow and lacked chemistry when it came to goal-scoring chances.
Japan had also rotated their squad. The visitors made nine changes from their starters in the first game, while the U.S. swapped all 11.
The U.S. got a clear boost offensively when two-thirds of ‘Triple Espresso,’ Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson, subbed in at the 65th minute. Then again, six minutes later, when Lindsey Heaps came on. More chances were created and Japan finally looked like they were under pressure. But the Americans still couldn’t find the breakthrough and left disappointed.
