It was far from the most entertaining match of soccer this Olympics has offered, even French-influenced booing rang out every time the U.S. played out of the back. It was forward Trinity Rodman who eventually fought through tired legs and a compact Japan defense to find the back of the net for the U.S. in extra time of a drawn-out quarterfinal match.
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Even with the utmost respect and knowledge of Japan, U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes’ side struggled against their opponent.
Japan shut down the front three of Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith for much of the game.