In Paris, Trinity Rodman, daughter of NBA superstar Dennis Rodman, scored during extra time, helping the U.S. secure a spot in the Olympics semifinals alongside notable figures like Megan Rapinoe, Mia Hamm, and Snoop Dogg who watched from the stands.
Under Emma Hayes’ guidance, the team achieved a narrow 1-0 win over Japan at Parc des Princes, setting up a clash against either Germany or Canada in Marseille.
Entering the knockout stage undefeated with a goal difference of 9-2, the U.S. faced a strong challenge from Japan, who managed to hold them off for the full 90 minutes.
Rodman found the net in stoppage time during the first extra period, collapsing to the pitch in a joyful embrace with her teammates.
This marked Rodman’s third goal in the tournament, and she came close to adding another in the later extra period.
Trinity Rodman scored into stoppage time in the first half to claim a win for the US over Japan
American rapper Snoop Dogg was seen in the stands just hours after watching on dressage
Former USWNT star Megan Rapinoe was at the Parc des Princes to cheer on her old teammates
Hayes, previously the manager of Chelsea, took over the U.S. team last fall after their disappointing performance at the previous Women’s World Cup, where they exited in the Round of 16.
Japan created two significant scoring chances early in the first half; US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher denied Mina Tanaka’s shot, and Miyabi Moriya’s attempt from 12 yards sailed over the crossbar.
Mallory Swanson, leading the tournament with three goals for the U.S., had numerous chances in the second half, but miscommunication and missed opportunities marred their performance.
A powerful shot from Rodman in the 90th minute was deflected off a Japanese defender and cleared away.
The match was tightly contested, underscoring the longstanding rivalry; Japan had previously defeated the U.S. in the 2011 Women’s World Cup final, while the Americans claimed victory in the 2012 Olympic final.
Standing right next to Rapinoe were former USWNT striker Mia Hamm and midfielder Julie Ertz
Trinity Rodman is the daughter of NBA legend & former Chicago Bulls center Dennis Rodman
Dennis and Trinity Rodman together before a collegiate soccer game in November 2021 in DC
The U.S. women’s team captured a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics after being defeated by Canada in the semifinals, while Japan was eliminated by Sweden in the quarterfinals after hosting the event.
In previous encounters, the U.S. overcame Japan at the 2015 World Cup, where Carli Lloyd netted three goals in the opening 16 minutes for a 5-2 triumph.
For the quarterfinal against Japan, the U.S. made a single change to their starting 11, with Korbin Albert taking the place of Sam Coffey, who was suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
Additionally, forward Jaedyn Shaw was made available after missing the first three matches due to a leg injury.
