USWNT Fans Shocked as Emma Hayes Suffers 1st Loss in SheBelieves Cup vs. Japan

Japan upset the United States Women's National Soccer Team Wednesday night at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego to win the SheBelieves Cup for the first time.

The USWNT fell 2-1 to a game Japanese squad, marking Emma Hayes' first loss since taking over as Team USA's manager.

Per ESPN, Hayes secured 15 wins, two draws and no losses over her first 17 matches as the USWNT's manager, including winning gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris just two months after her managerial debut for the U.S.

Japan jumped on the United States early in Wednesday's match, as Yuka Momiki scored in the second minute after U.S. defender Emily Sonnett collided with goalkeeper Jane Campbell:

Despite the shock of conceding an early goal, the United States regrouped and answered in the 14th minute with a goal by Ally Sentnor off a perfect through ball from Catarina Macario:

The U.S. and Japan entered halftime tied 1-1, but it didn't take long into the second half for Japan to regain their lead.

In the 50th minute, Campbell made a strong save on a free kick, but the rebound bounced right to Toko Koga, who put it in for what proved to be the game-winning goal:

Given the USWNT's relative dominance since Hayes took over and the fact that the United States had won the SheBelieves Cup five years in a row, there was plenty of surprise among fans regarding Wednesday's result:

While the USWNT was still expected to win, it is important to note that several key players were not with the team for the SheBelieves Cup.

The superstar trio of Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson, who accounted for 10 of the USWNT's 12 goals at the Olympics, were all left off the USWNT roster due to injuries and other engagements.

Team USA was also without arguably its top defender in Naomi Girma and experienced midfielder Rose Lavelle.

While the loss to Japan is something of a step back, it is fair to wonder if things would have played out far differently had the USWNT been at full strength.

The USWNT will look to get back on track on March 20 when it faces Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League, followed by friendlies against Brazil on April 5 and 8.