Japan beat Nawnt 2-1 to win Shebelieves Cup, marking the first loss of Emme Hayes Era

<!–>

AND United States Women’s national team suffered its first loss in Eri Emme Hayes when she is more experienced and tactical Japan Side defeated Americans 2-1 to win Shebelieves Cup Title on Wednesday night at Snapdragon Stadium.

–>

The Japanese, who entered this game with eight goals in their first two tournament matches, went out in hot and scored a goal in the second minute. Man City’s Yui Hasegawa playing Yuka Momiki from Leicester City, who won Emily Sonnett and blew up a goal over a goalkeeper Jane Campbell. While Nawnt eliminated Japan in the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games in Paris last summer, this moment was a bit of a deja vu from Cup Shebelieves 2024, when Japan scored 30 seconds in that semi -final match.

While now equalized a few moments later, with a wonderful strike by Ally Sentor, the Japanese returned the lead in the second half in the second half. In the end, the Americans made a mistake, had too many twists and fought to end consistently in the last third.

“I fully understood the quality of the opponent we would face tonight,” Hayes said after the match. “They are, without a question, one of the best teams in the world with players who are extremely well played together, while probably the vast majority of them are in the middle of their (club) season. And I think it showed it in the game.

“And it’s okay to be disappointed. I said to the players. It is really important to remember the moments and learning we take from it, and I look forward to the next opportunity to build some of that progress together and learn the most important things when you play a top opponent. I’d rather do it now later.”

Nawnt entered this window without at least five regular starters. Front “Triple Espresso” Trinity Rodman,, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson were not unavailable to select the list. None Rose Lavelle nor Naomi Girma. Plus, Alyssa Naeher Retired late last year, and Campbell earned only his 10th cap in relation to Japan.

But Hayes’s main goal in this camp is most of the 2025th to younger, less experienced players in the field against quality opponents in high pressure situations, so when these stars or others are not available, there is no noticeable in the game. Although they always want to win, these are still early days of Hayes who develop talent.

The coach put it well earlier in the week when she spoke about the future growth of this team.

“The hardest part in my position is that I can’t give them things that only the time lasts,” Hayes said. “So let’s just say you have Ally Sentrnor and Cat Macario. How many times have they played (together)? Ally should learn what cat tendencies are, what are Lindsey, etc., etc. The piece of chemistry is the one that comes with time.

“The triple espresso, their chemistry was so strong because they played together so many times … It will take us some time (to develop that chemistry). But I think it really is a really good start to the year.”

Here’s a match from the match:

Game games:

In the 14th minute, Macario won the ball right by the middle of the field, turned and played through the ball to Sentrnor, who took one touch in the box and scored the perfect shot past Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita.

“Amazing cat ball, he had the perfect pace on it and all I had to do was finish it,” Sentrnor told the semi -time show. “If we can do this in the second half, we will be successful.”

Nawnt failed to use in the second half while Japan managed the game. Sentrnor, however, quickly established herself in this senior team. The 21-year-old has now scored two starts for Naps and scored two goals, with three contributions in this tournament.

“Ally has shown that she has shown that she can decide the game,” Hayes said in her first year (in NWSL), “Hayes said. “It certainly completes the very minimal chances that she could get and this is what the best players have and I think she had it.

“And I think it will build the confidence that she had this tournament and would give them a few starts, somehow back to the back.”

Turn:

Japan recited the lead immediately after halftime.

In the 50th minute, Japan got a free kick outside the box. Campbell saved Hasegawe’s initial strike, but the flow he got a jump and pulled a shot beside the American goalkeeper to give his side a 2-1 advantage.

At this point, Nawnt found himself in a position that was supposed to score two goals to win her sixth title Shebelieves Cup as the relationship would benefit Japan for the difference in goal.

Key Stat:

Japan has entered the habit of fasting from Americans.

In the introductory match of last year’s Shebelieves Cup, Kiko Seike achieved in the first 30 seconds.

What follows for Nawnt?

Nawnt will not meet again until the next window in April ahead of two matches against Brazil in Los Angeles and San Jose. This camp will also include teams for seniors and U-23, which will be launched at the same time, much like things done in January.

It will be interesting to see what players are called to join the seniors against those who will return to play with the U-23 team. Hayes said that it should not be considered to be relegated, however, if the player takes more time at a lower level. Instead, it is all part of the strategy to ensure that the player’s pool is still developing the right way.

Hayes asked if she was currently knowing what players would train where. She said the program has a “really thorough process” in determining it, which includes the contribution of older and young staff.

“We will work in the coming weeks what we think the best path of progression will be for every player. I feel like we are in a solid place in terms of that trip,” Hayes said. “I think the risk we take over now is the right decision for the program.

“So, now, the following steps are and a great thing in this period is that we have a camp in April, and then in May, then in June, and I think we have a good time in which we will further define our identity and (this is something we are very looking forward to.”

Laken Litman covers college football, basketball and football for Fox Sports. She had previously written for Sports Illustrated, USA Today and The Indianapolis Star. She is the author “Strong Like A Woman”, published in the spring of 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of the title IX. Follow her on @Lakenlitm.

Follow Follow your favorites to personalize your Fox Sports Experience

Japan

United States

Shebelieves Cup

Get more than the United States Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more