The United States women's national soccer team secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Japan in the opening match of the SheBelieves Cup. The game, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, drew a record crowd of 50,644 spectators, marking a historic moment for women's soccer in the United States.
Japan took an early lead just 30 seconds into the game with a goal by Kiko Seike, catching the U.S. off guard. However, the American team rallied back with goals from Jaedyn Shaw and Lindsey Horan, who converted a crucial penalty kick in the 77th minute to secure the win.
The match also saw the return of Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario after extended absences due to injuries. Swanson, making her comeback after a year-long absence, showcased her skills with several close scoring opportunities. Macario, who had been sidelined for two years with an ACL injury, made a significant impact as a second-half substitute.
Interim U.S. coach Twila Kilgore praised the team's performance and highlighted the influence of the enthusiastic crowd on the game. Shaw's impressive goal-scoring record, with five goals in five consecutive starts, was a standout feature of the match.
Despite a minor setback with defender Naomi Girma's injury, the U.S. team displayed resilience and determination throughout the game. The victory was sealed by Horan's decisive penalty kick, following a foul on Sophia Smith in the penalty box.
The match also saw the inclusion of Korbin Albert as a substitute, amidst a recent controversy over past social media posts. Albert, who issued an apology for sharing offensive content, joined the team for the second half.
The SheBelieves Cup continues with Brazil facing Canada in the later game, with the results determining the matchups for the upcoming matches in Columbus, Ohio. All participating teams have already qualified for the Olympics in France this summer.
Interim coach Kilgore is leading the team while awaiting the arrival of new head coach Emma Hayes, who is currently completing the season with Chelsea. The U.S. team remains focused on maintaining a safe and inclusive environment, as emphasized by player Alex Morgan in a recent statement.
Overall, the United States' victory over Japan marks a promising start to their SheBelieves Cup campaign, showcasing the team's talent and determination on the field.
