The SheBelieves Cup is heading toward an electrifying conclusion as the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) and Japan both secured victories to set up a decisive showdown on Wednesday. A historic first senior international goal from Michelle Cooper helped the US edge past Australia 2-1, while Japan dominated Colombia 4-1, putting them in pole position for the title.
Cooper’s First Goal Seals USWNT Win
Kansas City Current forward Michelle Cooper scored the game-winning goal in the 68th minute, just six minutes after coming on as a substitute. Her strike secured the USA’s 30th victory in 36 games against Australia and extended Emma Hayes’ unbeaten streak as head coach.
“It was like a blur to be honest. It was such a crazy moment,” Cooper said. “We just kept attacking them and attacking them and attacking them, and to be able to get the goal and win off of that, it felt great.”
Hayes made history by rotating the entire starting XI following the USWNT’s 2-0 win over Colombia. The team didn’t miss a beat, with Lynn Biyendolo opening the scoring just 42 seconds in by tapping in a Jaedyn Shaw cross. Cooper’s goal doubled the lead, assisted by Claire Hutton and Ally Sentnor.
Australia, missing star forward Sam Kerr due to injury, struggled to match the USWNT’s intensity. Michelle Heyman pulled one back for the Matildas in the 80th minute, heading home a Hayley Raso cross, but the Americans held firm to seal the win.
Japan’s Record-Breaking Win Over Colombia
Japan made a statement with a dominant 4-1 victory over Colombia, scoring the fastest goal in SheBelieves Cup history. Momoko Tanikawa struck from 25 yards out just 18 seconds into the game, setting the tone for the Nadeshiko’s commanding performance.
Mina Tanaka doubled the lead in the seventh minute, heading in a Tanikawa corner. Colombia responded through Real Madrid forward Linda Caicedo in first-half stoppage time, but Japan restored their two-goal cushion in the 57th minute via Maika Hamano.
Tanaka sealed the win with a penalty in the 80th minute after being fouled by goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo. With four goals in the tournament, she is now tied with Mallory Swanson for the most goals in a single SheBelieves Cup.
A Title Showdown in San Diego
After a 4-0 win over Australia in their opening match, Japan enters the final game with an edge. Both teams have six points, but Japan’s superior goal difference (+7 to USA’s +3) means a draw would be enough for them to claim the title, ending the USWNT’s streak of five consecutive SheBelieves Cup championships.
“It’s just the perfect game. It’s just what you want,” said Hayes about the upcoming clash. “You can see in their form, scoring lots of goals, the quality of their play is so, so high. I think they’re one of the top, top, top, top teams in the world.
“I respect the hell out of them, they’re a brilliant team. But we want to win.”