(NEXSTAR) — The United States women’s soccer team is headed to the semifinal of the Olympic tournament after an extra-time stunner from forward Trinity Rodman saw the U.S. defeat Japan 1-0.
It was a tight match between familiar opponents. Japan defeated the United States in the final of the 2011 Women’s World Cup. The next year, the Americans beat Japan in the 2012 Olympic final for the gold.
Despite dominating possession, the U.S. struggled to break down a stout Japanese defense that seemed to have an answer for every attack.
Led by the pacey attacking trio of Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith, the United States stayed on the front foot, but only managed one shot on target in regulation.
Head coach Emma Hayes trusted her started lineup for the entirety of regulation, opting to make her first substitution at the start of the first extra-time period.
Moments before the end of the first period of extra time, Trinity Rodman collected the ball, cut inside and whipped a shot into the top corner of the net with her left foot giving the U.S. 1-0 lead and eventual victory.
Rodman, 22, is the youngest U.S. women’s player to score a knockout round goal in Olympics history.
The United States will play the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Canada and Germany. The U.S. defeated Germany in the group stage 4-1.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.